Is Simon Majumdar OK? 'Iron Chef' judge gets real about 'rare' illness and 'challenging journey'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Judge Simon Majumdar of 'Iron Chef' has revealed that he is battling a rare form of brain cancer. In a post on X on August 6, the Food Network star shared his troubling news and detailed his experience with cancer treatment. Simon wrote, "I have some personal news to share."
I have some personal news to share. pic.twitter.com/2wqQMdRdbj
— Simon Majumdar (@SimonMajumdar) August 6, 2024
He added, "This is a very hard thing for me to write. So, please bear with me while I share some personal news. Almost two and a half years ago, doctors found a tumor in my brain and they diagnosed me with Oligodendroglioma or 'Oligo,' for short."
Simon continued, "I understand that this is a very rare form of brain cancer." The 'Cutthroat Kitchen' star added, "It, of course, affects everything I do in my life — my speech and my memory being the main things that matter. Normally, I would keep this on the down low. I guess, this is a British thing."
"While my family, friends, and colleagues have been aware and supportive of my journey, I am now ready to share my experience with the wider world," he said before adding, "In case it helps people with oligo and anyone else who is suffering from any other type of cancer."
Simon continued by discussing his medical care and the treatments he has undergone to combat the illness. "Since finding out about my diagnosis, I have undergone two brain surgeries, grueling radiation, and multiple cycles of chemotherapy," he noted.
The 'Next Iron Chef' judge went on to say, "So if some people might have been wondering why, on social media posts, the pictures or videos show me wearing hats when I am at restaurants, it's because I have not been ready to show my battle scars."
'Iron Chef' judge Simon Majumdar thanks wife for helping him through his cancer battle
Simon concluded his message with a note of optimism, "So far, my fingers are crossed. While it has been a long and challenging journey, with the help of my beautiful wife, I have found myself living a relatively normal life." "She has been amazing dealing with doctors, medications, insurance, and so much more. She is everything to me."
In 2010, Simon married Sybil Villanueva. The couple first connected while Simon was visiting Brazil. "I have also been fortunate that my fantastic family, friends, the chef communities and the broadest communities have been very kind and supportive during my cancer journey," he added. Simon reported, "I am hopeful about my future as a cancer survivor."
"And that is, in part, thanks to organizations like [Oligo Nation], who I know are working very hard to find ways to fund more research into new and effective ways of treating oligodendroglioma. Perhaps, one day in the very near future, a cure for this dreadful disease will soon be found," he noted
'Iron Chef' judge Simon Majumdar pledges to donate to brain cancer research following diagnosis
Always the cook, Simon added, "I have also decided to make lemonade out of this very big lemon by helping — Oligo Nation fund more research into oligodendroglioma."
He added, "I hope that you can join me as I support Oligo Nation (https://www.oligonation.org/) with their efforts. And, very soon, I'll be announcing a very special event -- featuring some of my favorite people from the chef communities -- that will hopefully get us closer to the goal of eliminating oligodendroglioma."
"Be sure to watch this space," the chef added. "In the meantime, if you or your loved ones are going through his tough cancer journey, please do know that I am one of your biggest cheerleaders. You have got this," Simon finished. He concluded by writing, "With all my love."
Where is 'Iron Chef' judge Simon Majumdar now?
Simon did not initially start his career in the entertainment industry. Before becoming a judge on 'Cutthroat Kitchen,' 'Iron Chef America,' and 'The Next Iron Chef,' he worked as a book publisher. At the age of 40, he left his publishing career to pursue a new mission: "Go Everywhere, Eat Everything," according to Food Network.
Most recently, along with Guy Fieri, Simon and Justin Warner hosted Season 5 of 'Tournament of Champions' with Guy's son, Hunter Fieri, doing backstage and behind-the-scenes interviews.
Simon often shares images and videos on social media, showcasing his adventures in exploring new restaurants, browsing food markets, sampling delectable delicacies, and going shopping.
