Core Insights - The rise of cooking variety shows has created a trend where male celebrities build their personas around cooking and food, even if they lack actual cooking skills [1] - Notable examples include Nicholas Tse, who generated 1.5 billion from selling sausages through his cooking show, and Huang Lei, who faced backlash for his cooking but was quickly replaced by Jia Bing [1] - Celebrities like Jerry Yan have found new career opportunities in short videos by exploring food establishments [1] Group 1 - The popularity of cooking shows has led to a focus on celebrity personas related to food [1] - Nicholas Tse's success in generating significant revenue through his cooking-related ventures highlights the commercial potential of this trend [1] - The quick turnover of celebrity chefs in these shows indicates a competitive environment where public perception can shift rapidly [1] Group 2 - The trend of celebrities engaging with food content reflects broader changes in entertainment consumption, particularly through short video platforms [1] - The ability of celebrities to pivot their careers by leveraging food-related content demonstrates the versatility and adaptability required in the current entertainment landscape [1] - The phenomenon showcases how food culture is intertwined with celebrity influence, creating new avenues for engagement and revenue generation [1]

Core Insights - The article discusses the rise of male celebrities in China who have built successful personas around cooking, highlighting how this trend has become a viable career path for them [3][24]. Group 1: Celebrity Cooking Personas - Liu Yiwei is recognized as the first celebrity in China to gain fame through cooking, hosting the show "天天饮食" which attracted 5 million viewers daily [3][5]. - The cooking persona of Liu Yiwei paved the way for other celebrities, establishing a trend of portraying men as good husbands and fathers who can cook [4][5]. - Lin Yilun, another host from "天天饮食," leveraged his cooking skills to create a personal brand and business, including a chili sauce brand [7][8]. Group 2: Impact of Reality Shows - The reality show "爸爸去哪儿" (Where Are We Going, Dad?) helped Zhang Liang gain significant popularity due to his cooking skills, which became a memorable aspect of his persona [9][10]. - Huang Lei transitioned from a literary image to a caring father figure through cooking on the same show, leading to the launch of his cooking brand "黄小厨" [12][14]. - Huang Lei's involvement in various successful dramas and shows has solidified his image as a family-oriented figure, further enhancing his brand [14]. Group 3: Business Ventures and Success -谢霆锋's cooking persona began with "十二道锋味" (12 Flavors of Chef) in 2014, where he established himself as a chef and created a strong brand around his cooking [15][19]. - The launch of his food company, "锋味派," has seen significant success, with sales of his signature product, a gourmet sausage, reaching 1.5 billion yuan [21][22]. -谢霆锋's strategic partnerships, particularly with Alibaba, have allowed him to expand his brand and product offerings effectively [19][20]. Group 4: Industry Trends - The trend of male celebrities adopting cooking personas is largely driven by the need for career transformation as they age, allowing them to maintain relevance in the entertainment industry [25][26]. - The low barrier to entry in the food industry, combined with the universal appeal of cooking, makes it an attractive avenue for celebrities seeking to diversify their careers [28][29]. - The phenomenon reflects a broader trend where celebrities explore various business ventures, including live streaming and entrepreneurship, to sustain their careers [32].