Veteran Journalist and Critic Rachel Cooke Dies at 56
Renowned journalist and critic Rachel Cooke has left an indelible mark on the world of journalism, leaving behind a legacy that will be deeply felt by those who knew her. The fearless and funny observer has passed away at the age of 56, but her impact will live on through the countless lives she touched with her words.
For 25 years, Cooke was an integral part of the Observer, where she earned the reputation as "the backbone of the paper". Her incredible range and versatility as a journalist were unmatched - from fearless commentary to eye-piercing interviews, social reporting, book reviews, food writing, and courageous foreign reportage. But what truly set her apart was her unique ability to deliver it all with authority, bite, and humor that left readers in awe.
Colleagues and friends who knew Cooke describe her as a loyal sister-in-arms to feminist colleagues, someone who embodied intellectual ballast, lightly worn, yet possessed an unrelenting energy and wit. Despite filing thousands of words annually over decades, she remained fiercely curious and had the time to read and see everything, thanks in part to her boundless enthusiasm.
Sonia Sodha, a former colleague at the Observer, hailed Cooke as "funny, kind, clever, and a truly exceptional writer" who was a shining light for feminist colleagues. Meanwhile, Simon Hattenstone described Cooke as "the brilliant observer journalist who could write wonderfully about anything", adding that she would be deeply missed.
Born in Sheffield in 1969, Cooke's childhood was marked by a unique cultural melting pot, with her spending part of her formative years in Jaffa, Israel, where Arab and Jewish children were taught together. She studied at the University of Oxford before embarking on a journalism career that took her to the Sunday Times and later, the New Statesman.
In recent years, Cooke found success writing a monthly food column for the Observer, which was later compiled into the award-winning book "Kitchen Person". Her love of food was deeply rooted in her family history, particularly her grandmother, a working-class woman from Sunderland who possessed a kind of genius in the kitchen. This emotional connection to lunch and dinner stayed with Cooke throughout her life.
Cooke is survived by her husband, writer Anthony Quinn, with whom she lived in Islington, north London. Her passing leaves an unfillable void, but her legacy will continue to inspire and guide those who knew her, including colleagues like Tim Adams and Jane Ferguson, who describe her as "the backbone of the paper" and a truly exceptional writer.
Renowned journalist and critic Rachel Cooke has left an indelible mark on the world of journalism, leaving behind a legacy that will be deeply felt by those who knew her. The fearless and funny observer has passed away at the age of 56, but her impact will live on through the countless lives she touched with her words.
For 25 years, Cooke was an integral part of the Observer, where she earned the reputation as "the backbone of the paper". Her incredible range and versatility as a journalist were unmatched - from fearless commentary to eye-piercing interviews, social reporting, book reviews, food writing, and courageous foreign reportage. But what truly set her apart was her unique ability to deliver it all with authority, bite, and humor that left readers in awe.
Colleagues and friends who knew Cooke describe her as a loyal sister-in-arms to feminist colleagues, someone who embodied intellectual ballast, lightly worn, yet possessed an unrelenting energy and wit. Despite filing thousands of words annually over decades, she remained fiercely curious and had the time to read and see everything, thanks in part to her boundless enthusiasm.
Sonia Sodha, a former colleague at the Observer, hailed Cooke as "funny, kind, clever, and a truly exceptional writer" who was a shining light for feminist colleagues. Meanwhile, Simon Hattenstone described Cooke as "the brilliant observer journalist who could write wonderfully about anything", adding that she would be deeply missed.
Born in Sheffield in 1969, Cooke's childhood was marked by a unique cultural melting pot, with her spending part of her formative years in Jaffa, Israel, where Arab and Jewish children were taught together. She studied at the University of Oxford before embarking on a journalism career that took her to the Sunday Times and later, the New Statesman.
In recent years, Cooke found success writing a monthly food column for the Observer, which was later compiled into the award-winning book "Kitchen Person". Her love of food was deeply rooted in her family history, particularly her grandmother, a working-class woman from Sunderland who possessed a kind of genius in the kitchen. This emotional connection to lunch and dinner stayed with Cooke throughout her life.
Cooke is survived by her husband, writer Anthony Quinn, with whom she lived in Islington, north London. Her passing leaves an unfillable void, but her legacy will continue to inspire and guide those who knew her, including colleagues like Tim Adams and Jane Ferguson, who describe her as "the backbone of the paper" and a truly exceptional writer.
just heard about Rachel Cooke's passing and I'm still trying to process the news... 25 years with the Observer is a huge loss, but what an incredible impact she had on journalism & beyond 
her fearlessness, humor, and wit will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but more importantly, her words & legacy will continue to inspire us 
so sad she's gone too soon... 25 years at the Observer is insane, must've seen and heard things that most people will never experience. I remember reading her food column in the Observer and just loving how down-to-earth it was. And "Kitchen Person" sounds amazing, I'll defo have to check it out 
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Her fearless reporting and commentary left a lasting impact on the world of journalism, and her legacy will be deeply missed by those who knew her 
It's heartbreaking to think that we won't get to read her insights and observations on the world anymore 
I mean, can you believe all the things she accomplished in just one life? 25 years with the Observer and still going strong 
I'm so glad she got to share her passion for food (it's amazing how that stuff can connect people) and be part of a generation that cared about real issues 
. The fact that she could deliver it all with authority and humor is a testament to her exceptional skill as a writer.
just heard about Rachel Cooke's passing 
her work on food writing & feminist issues will be greatly missed 
Cooke's curiosity & enthusiasm for life were truly inspiring 
& it's amazing how much impact one person can have through their words 
I'm so sad to hear about Rachel Cooke's passing 
And her passion for food writing is something that resonated with so many people - her book "Kitchen Person" is still so highly recommended 
. Anyway, let's take a moment to celebrate her life and legacy - she may be gone, but her words will keep on living on 
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she had this amazing ability to connect with people from all walks of life & her writing just felt so authentic. will really miss reading her columns & watching her interviews on youtube 
my fave thing about her was how down-to-earth she was - not the polished tv presenter type, but a real person who cared about stories & people. 
. remember reading her columns in the Observer, always made me think 
. Her love of food is amazing, my grandma used to be super into cooking as well 
. It's so sad she's gone at 56, I feel like I've lost a friend 
. But her legacy will live on and inspire more writers like me 
56 feels like way too young for someone with so much impact on journalism. she was always known for being fearless but also witty & fun 
. and 25 yrs is a long time - thats a lot of words written & stories told 
. feels like we'll be hearing more tributes from colleagues & friends, which is always nice to see 
Rachel Cooke was literally the best journalist ever 
I mean, 25 years at the Observer is crazy, she must've seen so much, done so much... it's sad to think that we won't get to see more of her work now 
And her food column? Yum! I need to read that book "Kitchen Person" ASAP 
. Can't believe we'll miss her sharp commentary & humor on food writing 
rachel cooke was def an icon, but i'm still tryin to process the fact that she left at 56... thats like, mid life crisis age or somethin'