Justin Wilson was a chef and humorist who charmed millions of viewers with his Cajun-inspired cuisine and stories. He was known for his trademark catchphrase, “I gar-on-tee!” and his distinctive accent. He died on September 5, 2001, at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of delicious recipes and hilarious anecdotes. But what was the cause of his death and how did it affect the culinary world?
The Life and Career of Justin Wilson
Justin Wilson was born on April 24, 1914, in Roseland, Louisiana. His father, Harry D. Wilson, was a state commissioner of agriculture and forestry and a former member of the Louisiana House of Representatives. His mother, Olivet Mintern Toadvin Wilson, taught him how to cook. Wilson claimed to have Cajun ancestry, but it is unclear if he had any actual Acadian or French roots.
Wilson started his career as a safety engineer, traveling throughout Acadiana and giving lectures to refinery workers. He soon realized that he needed to spice up his talks with humor and stories to keep his audiences awake. He drew inspiration from the Cajun culture and language that he encountered in his travels.
Wilson later recorded several comedy albums and appeared as a guest on The Ed Sullivan Show. He also hosted several television shows, such as Cookin’ Cajun, Louisiana Cookin’, and Easy Cookin’. He published several cookbooks and sold his own line of Cajun seasonings and sauces. He became one of the most popular ambassadors of Cajun cuisine and culture in the country.
The Cause and Impact of Justin Wilson’s Death
Wilson died of heart failure in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on September 5, 2001. He was buried in Port Vincent Community Cemetery in Livingston Parish, Louisiana. He was survived by his third wife and four children from his previous marriages.
Wilson’s death was mourned by his fans and fellow chefs, who praised him for his contributions to the culinary world. His recipes and humor continue to inspire generations of cooks and entertainers. His shows are still aired on public television stations and his products are still available online. He is remembered as a legend of Cajun cooking and a master of storytelling.
According to The Washington Post, Wilson’s death left “a void in the hearts of those who loved his homespun tales of Cajun cooking”. According to The Celebrity Deaths, Wilson’s death marked “the end of an era” for Cajun cuisine and culture. According to Wikipedia, Wilson’s death was “a loss for the culinary world”.
