Stanley Tucci opens up about rejecting offers from cooking TV shows

Stanley Tucci has opened up about why he repeatedly rejected offers to appear on cooking competition programmes despite his strong passion for food and successful career as a cookbook author.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 star shared his thoughts during a recent appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast hosted by Josh Horowitz.

When asked whether he had ever been approached for food television projects, Tucci admitted he intentionally stayed away from competitive cooking formats because he dislikes the idea of competition being attached to food or art.

The Oscar-nominated actor described cooking contests as “silly,” even while acknowledging their popularity with audiences.

“I find it false and weird,” Tucci said, explaining that cooking should instead be something that connects people.

According to the actor, food is “the opposite” of competition because it is meant to encourage togetherness and shared experiences.

“It should be a thing that brings people together, not separates them,” he explained, adding, “A thing that allows for communion, not for competition.”

Tucci also extended the discussion to awards and competition within the entertainment industry, arguing that artistic work is ultimately subjective and difficult to measure against others.

The Lovely Bones actor questioned the idea of labelling someone the “best actor,” noting that people interpret performances differently depending on their own perspectives.

“It’s wonderful when you get nominated for stuff. It’s wonderful when you get an award, but do I really believe?” he said while reflecting on conversations he once had with his father about grading art.

Tucci added that artistic performances cannot be judged in a completely objective way because audiences all experience them differently.

The actor is currently promoting the second season of Tucci in Italy, which is set to premiere via National Geographic on May 13.