Several Below Deck franchise chefs have had huge egos. The yachting reality show spotlights the lives of the crew members working on superyachts. While the Chief Stew leads the interior team and the Bosun the exterior, the Chefs are left alone to work by themselves. They are tasked with feeding all the guests and crew members. However, sometimes, the Below Deck chefs can’t handle the pressure and get fired mid-charter season. Below Deck season 11’s Chef Anthony Iracane was a beloved part of the cast but was fired by Captain Kerry Titherage after his self-confidence dwindled.

If Chef Anthony had believed in himself more, he would’ve excelled during the season. On the contrary, there have been some Below Deck stars with big egos who were overconfident in their abilities. Below Deck chefs have incredibly tough jobs and typically possess a sense of creativity unparalleled for those working in the interior or exterior departments. The chefs are often labeled as quirky individuals by their fellow crew members. Some chefs have been incredibly proficient, while others have let the pressure of Below Deck get to them.

8

Marcos Spaziani

Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 3

Marcos Spaziani was the chef during Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 3. The crew developed a great friendship among themselves, aided by Chef Marcos. The Venezuelan native meshed well with his fellow Below Deck Sailing Yacht stars, though it felt like he was bragging about his experience. He joined the season with ten years of experience as a chef and said he traveled around the world for work. Chef Marcos proudly revealed he gained experience from many chefs in different countries. Nonetheless, it was normal for him to share details about his past on the show.

7

Jessica Condy

Below Deck Adventure Season 1

Jessica Condy was the first chef ever featured on Below Deck Adventure season 1. She started cooking at a very young age and made incredible dishes. While she was a great chef, she was erratic and let the pressure of her job get to her at times. Chef Jessica took her frustrations out on Chief Stew Faye Clarke at times. She made up for it with her delicious meals, but her behavior was still far too much at times.

6

Kevin Dobson

Below Deck Season 7

Kevin Dobson’s ego got the best of him during Below Deck season 7. During his first and only stint with the franchise, he didn’t get along with Kate Chastain, who was the Chief Stew at the time. Instead of trying to make amends with Kate during the season, Chef Kevin attempted to out all of her wrongdoings. Chef Kevin’s focus on Kate’s performance as Chief Stew was his downfall. During a charter dinner, Captain Lee Rosbach was invited to join the guests for the meal. Chef Kevin forgot he was attending dinner and didn’t make him any food.

5

Ben Robinson

Below Deck Seasons 1-3, Below Deck Mediterranean Seasons 1 & 4

Ben Robinson is the OG chef of the Below Deck franchise. He pioneered the mainstay series and its first spin-off, Below Deck Mediterranean. Since he was such a fixture in the franchise, Ben’s ego got to his head. However, Chef Ben was reliable during the early years of the show. During Below Deck season 3, he was called in to replace the chef who was fired towards the end of the charter season. He was brought back for Below Deck Med season 4 to take over when Chef Mila Kolomeitseva was fired.

“Something happened, and now your cleaner is making you dinner, that’s what it is for me.”

In a clip from part of the Below Deck Med After Show on Bravo TV, Ben called Chef Mila a “disaster.” He compared her skills to a “cleaner” improvising in the kitchen. Outside Below Deck, Chef Ben has created an established career for himself. Since he’s been adored for his personality, Ben goes the extra mile to say something funny for the cameras, like he did when talking about Chef Mila. He’s never been shy to share his opinions, though his humor requires an acquired taste. Chef Ben is still one of the best Below Deck chefs.

4

Leon Walker

Below Deck Season 3

Leon Walker is one of the most unhinged Below Deck franchise chefs. He was a one-and-done chef on Below Deck season 3. Chef Leon was praised for his impeccable dishes; however, he argued with many of his crew members, including Chief Stew Kate. He refused to cook what the charter guests would ask of him at times and fought with Kate. Chef Leon’s biggest mistake during Below Deck season 3 occurred when he started a fire in the kitchen due to his uncleanliness. It was an unacceptable error that got him fired.

3

Rachel Hargrove

Below Deck Seasons 8-10

Rachel Hargrove served as a chef on Below Deck from seasons 8-10. Sticking with the franchise for three seasons, she grew accustomed to how Captain Lee ran his charters. Chef Rachel was a great chef with a dry sense of humor that sometimes came off wrong. She was known for her hilarious confessional moments that showed off her unique personality. Chef Rachel was comfortable in front of the cameras and knew how to make entertaining reality TV. However, when things didn’t go her way, she wasn’t the easiest to work with.

“This is why chefs drink.”

During Below Deck season 8, Chef Rachel was frustrated by a picky preference sheet from a charter guest and stormed off the boat. Chef Rachel reeled in her ego in future appearances but still had egotistical moments. In Below Deck season 9, Chef Rachel demanded a silent galley so she could focus on the final character of the season. Her comedic timing made up for many of her unhinged moments, and she’s often referred to as one of the best Below Deck chefs ever.

2

Tom Checketts

Below Deck Mediterranean Season 5

Tom Checketts wasn’t the original chef for Below Deck Med season 5. He replaced Chef Hindrigo “Kiko” Lorran after Captain Sandy Yawn fired him. Chef Tom wasn’t expecting to join the cast alongside his then-girlfriend, Malia White. Nonetheless, he joined the show and did a decent job as the chef. He was unprepared at times but made sure to tell his crew members he’s worked with Gordon Ramsay and his mom cooked for Queen Elizabeth.

1

Ryan McKeown

Below Deck Down Under Season 1

Ryan McKeown had quite the ego on Below Deck Down Under season 1. He was incredibly disrespectful to his captain, crew members, and charter guests. Chef Ryan clashed with Cheif Stew Aesha Scott, one of the kindest crew members to appear on the show. The chef not being able to get along well with the Chief Stew was a major red flag. Chef Ryan went on to disrespect the charter guests when he didn’t greet them as they boarded the superyacht. Repeated incidents of bad behavior left Captain Jason Chambers with no choice but to fire Chef Ryan.​​​​​​​

“My relationship with the Chief Stew, if they’re good at their job, we’ll have a good, healthy relationship. Otherwise, I just don’t want them around.”

Many Below Deck chefs have come into the franchise with massive egos. At times, their added cockiness can be funny and light-hearted. On the contrary, some Below Deck chefs have taken things too far and have become too full of themselves.​​​​​​​

Sources: Bravo TV