Who is Sandra Lee’s much younger fiancé Ben Youcef? The Food Network TV chef met the Algerian actor – who’s 13 years her junior – at a restaurant, and brought him to Elton John’s Oscars party
American TV chef Sandra Lee brought a hot date to the Oscars parties this year – her much younger fiancé Ben Youcef.
In the pics, 44-year-old Youcef is seen with his arm around the 57-year-old’s waist. Despite the sizeable age gap, Lee hasn’t shied away from showing affection towards her handsome (and incredibly youthful looking) beau since they began their relationship.
The couple – who have a 13-year age difference – seem as happy as can be, and Lee often shares photos of them kissing, hugging and fooling around on her socials.
Here’s what we know about the Semi-Homemade cooking concept creator’s man:
Ben Youcef is an Algerian actor
According to Closer, Ben Youcef was born in Algeria and has scored minor acting roles in productions such as CSI: NY, Chicago P.D., Law & Order and Seal Team over the years.
He is a semi-professional tennis player
He has two children
Youcef’s Facebook posts show him in supportive dad mode with his twins – Harris and Hannah – who he shares with his ex Apryl Stephenson, per Closer. In August 2021, US media claimed Youcef was still married to Stephenson and in the midst of an “ugly” custody battle when he began dating Lee.
Stephenson confirmed the claims in a statement to The Daily Mail at the time, saying: “We are going through a divorce and I wish Ben and Sandra the best of luck. But I have nothing more to say”.
How did Sandra Lee meet Ben Youcef?
“I swore I would never fall again, trust again, love again or open myself up again,” the cookbook author wrote at the time. “On our one-year anniversary, I shall share the story of how we met, but until then, my wish for you is that no matter where you are, how old you are or what has happened, you can welcome hope back into your life again.”
Sandra Lee and Ben Youcef aren’t afraid of a little PDA
One look at Lee’s recent Instagram posts confirms she isn’t afraid to flaunt her romance with Youcef, sharing everything from their Christmases together to their overseas holidays and attendance of high-profile events. The Food Network star and the actor have been engaged since August 2021, and were pictured celebrating the news in Paris, according to US media.
Who else has Sandra Lee dated – or been married to?
Not long after, it was revealed that Cuomo had multiple accusations of sexual harassment being made against him, per NBC News. However Cuomo strenuously denied the claims in a statement, saying: “I want you to know directly from me that I never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances.”
- Sandra Lee brought a hot date to the Oscars this year – her fiancé Ben Youcef: the actor is 13 years her junior and has been in shows including CSI: NY and Law & Order among others
- Lee once dated controversial governor Andrew Cuomo, while Youcef has twins with his ex wife Apryl Stephenson – but their PDA-heavy relationship seems stronger than ever