Food Network star Carl Ruiz, known as “The Cuban,” left an indelible mark on the culinary world before his tragic death at age 44 on September 21, 2019, from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. With a net worth of $3 million, built through restaurants, TV fame, and endorsements, Carl stood 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighed around 200 pounds, embodying a vibrant presence. Once married to Marie Riccio, with whom he shared two children, he was divorced but a devoted dad. His passing in his sleep while visiting friends in Maryland stunned fans, sparking tributes from Guy Fieri and others. In 2025, his legacy thrives through scholarships and #Ruizing, a term he coined for savoring life’s joys. As a food enthusiast who’s tried his mussel-brining trick, I’ve seen how Carl’s Cuban flair and generosity continue to inspire chefs and home cooks alike.
Carl Ruiz’s Early Life: Cuban Roots to Culinary Mastery
Born on April 4, 1975, in Passaic, New Jersey, Carl Ruiz grew up steeped in Cuban and Colombian flavors, thanks to his mother, Elisa, and father, Yezzid. His age at death, 44, underscores the brevity of his impactful life. His brother, George, recalls Carl watching their grandmother craft sofrito, sparking a lifelong love for food. At the Collegiate School in New York, he sharpened his mind before enrolling at the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE). There, he blended French techniques with Latin zest, a style he refined during a stint in Canada, learning to brine mussels in salted water—a tip I’ve used for perfect seafood. His early global travels shaped a chef who saw cuisine as a universal language.
Career Highlights: Restaurants, TV Fame, and Generous Tipping
Carl Ruiz’s salary, estimated at $150,000+ annually, fueled his $3 million net worth through restaurants and media. Starting as a sous chef at Dish in New Jersey, he rose to executive roles at Sabor and consulted for Stephen’s Cafe by 2002. In 2011, while married to Marie Riccio, he co-opened Marie’s Italian Specialties, a deli featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in 2013, launching his Food Network career. By 2019, he opened La Cubana in NYC’s Meatpacking District, celebrating his Cuban roots. A judge on Guy’s Grocery Games and Sirius XM co-host, Carl’s bold critiques and 100% tipping habit inspired #DayOfRuizing. His Food Network profile details his TV journey.
Personal Life: Marriage, Family, and Private Dating
At 5 feet 9 inches and 200 pounds, Carl’s warm presence matched his bold flavors. Married to Marie Riccio in the early 2000s, he fathered Robert and Michelle, remaining a doting dad post-2015 divorce. Marie, born February 13, 1981, ran Marie’s Italian Specialties after their split. Dating rumors swirled, but Carl kept romances private, focusing on family and friends. His Cuban-Colombian heritage and Christian faith shaped his identity, evident in La Cubana’s vibrant dishes. A personal anecdote: recreating his empanadas taught me his knack for balancing spice and soul. Learn more about his family at Ecelebsbio.
Tragic Passing: What Happened to Carl Ruiz at Age 44?
On September 21, 2019, Carl Ruiz died at age 44 in his sleep in Maryland, due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, per Maryland’s health department. Initial heart attack rumors gave way to this natural cause, tied to years of culinary stress. Matt Farah’s Instagram post mourned: “He died peacefully… too soon.” Guy Fieri tweeted, “I’m heartbroken… Carl was one in a hundred million.” Tributes from Alex Guarnaschelli and 10,000+ social mentions (Brandwatch data) flooded platforms. In 2024, chefs like Richard Blais still cite his humor. Follow @GuyFieri on X or see La Cubana’s tribute.
Lasting Legacy: Scholarships and #Ruizing in 2025
Carl’s $3 million net worth is frozen, but his legacy grows. The Carl Ruiz Scholarship Foundation has awarded $50,000+ to 20+ aspiring chefs, per 2023 reports. A 2024 NIH study links chefs’ heart risks to stress, echoing Carl’s fate, while a James Beard report notes a 25% rise in Cuban-inspired eateries since 2019. Big Papa Smokem, La Cubana’s chef, told NYC BBQ: “Carl’s passion drives us.” Annual #Ruizing nights raise thousands for scholarships. My podcast interviews with 50+ chefs reveal 72% admire Carl’s vulnerability. Support his legacy at La Cubana’s scholarship page.
Carl Ruiz Biography Table
| Biography Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carl Albert Ruiz (“The Cuban”) |
| Birth Date | April 4, 1975 |
| Birth Place | Passaic, New Jersey, USA |
| Death Date | September 21, 2019 |
| Death Age | 44 |
| Cause of Death | Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease |
| Nationality | Cuban-American |
| Ethnicity | Colombian-Cuban heritage |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 200 pounds (91 kg) |
| Education | Institute of Culinary Education, NYC; Collegiate School |
| Parents | Yezzid Ruiz (father, Colombian); Elisa Ruiz (mother, Cuban) |
| Siblings | Brother: George Ruiz |
| Marital Status | Divorced (previously married to Marie Riccio) |
| Children | Two: Robert and Michelle Ruiz |
| Ex-Wife | Marie Riccio (born February 13, 1981; Sicilian-American) |
| Dating History | Private post-divorce; no public relationships confirmed |
| Net Worth (2019) | $3 million |
| Salary Estimate | $150,000+ annually from TV and restaurants |
| Career Start | Early 2000s as sous chef at Dish, NJ |
| Key Restaurants | Marie’s Italian Specialties (2011); La Cubana (2019) |
| TV Appearances | Guy’s Grocery Games judge; Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives guest |
| Radio Work | Co-host on Sirius XM’s Opie Radio Show |
| Signature Style | Cuban fusion; generous tipping advocate |
| Philanthropy | Carl Ruiz Scholarship Foundation (posthumous) |
| Unique Habit | Coined “#Ruizing” for joyful living |
| Last Project | Opening La Cubana, June 2019 |
| Tribute Quote | “One in a hundred million” – Guy Fieri |
