1. Wrestling Career Ended by Injury
Michael Symon’s first major tragedy occurred during high school when he excelled in wrestling and had dreams of pursuing it professionally.
However, those dreams were shattered when he broke his arm during practice. The injury was severe, and despite undergoing surgery to have a plate inserted into his arm, the plate later broke, forcing him to abandon his wrestling ambitions.
This loss deeply affected him, causing depression and a sense of loss as he reevaluated his future.
2. Struggles with Depression
The end of Symon’s wrestling career led to another personal tragedy: a battle with depression. With his dreams of a wrestling scholarship gone, Symon found himself lost.
He struggled through his senior year of high school and into college, where his grades suffered, and he was unsure of his path. His mental health took a toll as he worked through feelings of anger and confusion.
It wasn’t until he decided to pursue a career in cooking that Symon found a new direction, ultimately turning his tragedy into an opportunity.
3. Health Struggles with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus
As Symon’s culinary career soared, he faced another major life challenge: his diagnosis with rheumatoid arthritis and discoid lupus.
These autoimmune diseases cause chronic pain, especially in the joints, which is particularly difficult for someone who works long hours on his feet in kitchens.
Despite the pain, Symon has learned to manage his conditions through dietary changes and physical adjustments, but it remains a constant battle that affects his daily life. He has been open about these struggles, using his platform to raise awareness about living with chronic illness.
4. Mother’s Battle with Cancer
Another significant hardship in Symon’s life was his mother, Angel’s, battle with cancer. Watching a loved one go through such a painful and difficult journey took an emotional toll on Symon.
His mother’s illness provided him with a deeper appreciation for family and health, influencing his cooking philosophy to include health-conscious recipes alongside indulgent comfort foods. This personal tragedy has shaped both his life and career.
5. Restaurant Closures
Michael Symon has enjoyed a successful career as a restaurateur, but not without setbacks. Over the years, he has had to close several of his restaurants, including multiple locations of his B Spot Burgers chain.
Restaurant closures are always heartbreaking for a chef, as they represent not only financial loss but also the hard work and creativity invested in building them. However, Symon has continued to adapt and move forward, launching new concepts and continuing to find success in the culinary world.
6. Lolita Restaurant Fire
In 2016, Symon’s restaurant Lolita, one of his earliest and most cherished establishments, suffered significant damage due to a fire. The fire started near an oven and spread quickly, causing extensive damage to the first floor and destroying the offices above.
Symon expressed relief that no one was hurt, but the loss of such an important restaurant was a major blow. Despite this, he remained resilient, and though Lolita never reopened, Symon moved forward with other restaurant ventures.
7. False Rumors About His Wife’s Death
Symon also had to deal with a strange tragedy in the form of false rumors circulating about his wife, Liz Shanahan. At one point, incorrect information spread online claiming that Liz had passed away.
While these rumors were completely false, they caused emotional stress for Symon and his family. Symon had to publicly clarify that his wife was alive and well, showing just how deeply rumors and misinformation can affect public figures.