March 31st: Today’s Feature

March

Rustie Lee, born on May 22, 1949, is a multi-talented British-Jamaican individual known for her work as a television personality, chef, actress, and singer. She showcased her skills and personality on various television shows over the years, including Celebrity Super Spa on Channel 5 in 2013, on ITV hosted by Brian McFadden in 2016, and Celebrity Coach Trip in 2020. Additionally, Rustie made appearances on the children's BBC TV programme, Twirlywoos, from 2015 to 2017, further showcasing her versatility and appeal to a wide range of audiences.

Rustie Lee has built a multifaceted career for herself, excelling as a television chef, actress, and singer. Notably, she also ventured into politics by running for UKIP, showcasing her diverse talents and interests.

Addressing rumours about her age, Rustie dismissed concerns about getting older, emphasising her active lifestyle and mental engagement as key factors in feeling youthful. Drawing on her Caribbean heritage, she highlighted the longevity of her grandmother, who lived to be 106, suggesting a genetic predisposition to long life spans in her family.

Rustie Lee is married to Andreas Hohmann, a talented German drummer and percussionist who was previously a member of the iconic band Kraftwerk. Andreas also played with the Alex Parche Band and the Ibliss.

Lee, on the other hand, has become a multifaceted TV chef, singer, actress, and host. Her diverse talents have garnered her widespread recognition, especially after her appearance on the 2013 season of the popular British reality show Celebrity Super Spa on Channel 5.

In recent years, Rustie has continued to showcase her skills and charm on various reality competition programs such as Celebrity Coach Trip on Channel 4 in 2020 and Who’s Doing the Dishes? on ITV in 2016. Both shows were hosted by Irish presenter Brian McFadden, further solidifying Rustie's presence in the entertainment industry.

Rustie's journey in the spotlight began in the 1980s when she first appeared on TV-am, captivating audiences with her vibrant personality and culinary expertise. Her successful debut as a television chef on the show paved the way for her to take over as the host of the hit game show Game for a Laugh, following in the footsteps of renowned anchor Sarah Kennedy.

Her husband, Andreas also serves as both his wife's manager and business partner. The couple first met in Spain almost thirty years ago and had been romantically involved ever since. During their initial encounter, Andreas was in Spain for business purposes, while Lee was taking a vacation.

Despite warnings from Hohmann's friend that their relationship might just be a fling during the vacation, their bond only strengthened over time. The drummer decided to visit England, disregarding the advice given to him. Andreas expressed, "We cherish the moments we spend together."

Notably, Andreas also appeared alongside Kennedy on the second season of the popular game show, Game for a Laugh. Their enduring relationship and shared professional endeavours highlight the depth of their connection and mutual respect for each other's talents and ambitions.

Lee first caught the public's attention in the 1980s and has since become a familiar face on various television shows. In 2005, she ventured into politics as a candidate for the UK Independence Party (UKIP), receiving 1,074 votes and securing fifth place with 2.3% of the total votes.

Alongside her television career, she has also authored cookbooks, showcasing delicious recipes inspired by her Jamaican heritage. Notably, her books "The Caribbean Cookbook" from 1985 and "A Taste of the Caribbean" from 2007 have become well-known titles in the culinary world.

Lee's parents, Eugenie Edwards and Pembroke Keith Archibald Edwards, were living in Portland Parish when she was born. Unfortunately, Lee tragically lost both of her parents.

Lee purchased two plots at City Hospital in Birmingham, where her mother was laid to rest in December 2012. She made the decision to exhume her deceased father and bury him next to her mother. Additionally, she organised a second funeral for her father at the Handsworth Cannon Street Memorial Baptist Church.

Despite her mother's passing, Lee found solace in the fact that her parents were now buried together, allowing her to feel reunited with her father. Eugenie, who suffered from dementia and had lost Lee's father years earlier, had originally planned to return to Jamaica.

Rustie, remains very happily married and enjoys a wonderful life with her adult son, James Lee, and fiercely private hubby, Andreas Hohmann. James shares his mother's passion for cooking and even trained at Hoar Cross Hall during his youth.

Rustie often shares lovely photos of her son on social media, including a joyful snapshot of them in Bridlington after a panto in December 2014. In July 2021, she posted a Facebook live video featuring James and herself in the garden, showcasing their close bond.

She made a statement on British breakfast television in August 2018, asserting that she was the one who initiated the popularity of Caribbean cuisine. She has showcased her culinary expertise through the publication of various cookbooks, such as Rustie Lee's Caribbean Cookbook in 1985 and A Taste of the Caribbean in 2007.

In addition to her culinary pursuits, Lee has ventured into the world of acting. In 2008, she briefly joined the cast of the popular soap opera EastEnders, portraying the character of Opal Smith, Gus Smith's aunt. She also made appearances in Peter Kay's Britain's Got the Pop Factor as well as the final episode of Benidorm Series 6, where she played the role of Queenie. Furthermore, Lee lent her voice to narrate children's stories for BBC Radio in Birmingham.

Rustie Lee's talents extend beyond cooking and acting, as she has also pursued a career in music. In 1985, she released her album Invitation to Party, which featured her own renditions of popular songs like "Barbados" and "My Toot Toot". In 1994, she released a single titled "You'd Better Phone", accompanied by a cover of The Outhere Brothers' "Don't Stop (Wiggle Wiggle)" as the B-side. Additionally, she showcased her singing abilities during her appearances on Big Brother's Bit on the Side.

Lee has also graced the stage in various pantomime productions, including beloved classics like Jack and the Beanstalk, Aladdin, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Peter Pan, among others. Her versatility as an entertainer is evident through her diverse range of talents and contributions to different forms of media and entertainment.

Rustie Lee stands out due to her natural charisma, warmth, and infectious laugh, which might lead one to assume that her life has been smooth sailing. However, like anyone else in this imperfect world, she has faced setbacks. What sets Rustie apart is not the fact that she has stumbled, but rather how she has managed to rise above those challenges. Her unwavering sense of joy and laughter has propelled her to achieve great success. By infusing cooking with fun, Rustie has brought together people from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for Caribbean cuisine. It is this ability to create a joyful and inclusive environment that has endeared her to so many.