Popular television personality Art Ginsburg, better known as “Mr. Food,” has died at age 81. Ginsburg was famous for his short cooking segments and has published over 50 cookbooks.

Art Ginsburg created quite the food empire as “Mr. Food” without any bells or whistles. Ginsburg's approach to Mr. Chef was simple, honest, funny and easily approachable, according to The Associated Press.

A statement made on Ginsburg's Mr. Food website mourned the loss of their founder saying “Art’s commitment to anyone-can-do recipes and passion for helping others made him well-loved among his peers and among television viewers and website visitors. He was one of the first television celebrity chefs and paved a road for many who came after him. His greatest love was for his wife, Ethel, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his daily visit into your homes via the television.”

Ginsburg passed away at the age of 81 at his Westin, Florida home following a battle with pancreatic cancer, reports AP. Ginsburg was diagnosed in 2011 and underwent treatment that put the cancer into remission. Unfortunately the cancer returned and Ginsburg succumbed to the illness.

For over 30 years Mr. Food has been featured on syndicated television programs across America. Despite the growth and money surrounding celebrity chefs, the spawning of dedicated cooking and food channels as well as the number of foodcentric television shows, Mr. Food did not seek the spotlight, instead, speaking to the AP, Ginsburg "was always the hometown guy. I don't want to be the super celebrity. When you need bodyguards, that's not my deal." Ginsburg has sold millions of cookbooks and has been viewed by millions on television.

Ginsburg started his career as a butcher but transitioned into a television chef in 1975, notes AP. Ginsburg's warm spirit touched not only home chefs but future celebrities. Rachel Ray got one of her first breaks on a Mr. Food segment and spoke about Ginsburg to the AP saying, "He was a supportive and loyal friend and I'll miss his smile and warm hugs.”

Mr. Food's famous tagline "Ooh! It's so good!" is one of only 25 sound trademarks registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

You can watch Ginsburg's appearance on “Late Night With Conan O'Brien” from 1997 below.

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