Chances are you know Giada De Laurentiis. That is, of course, if you love good Italian food and have even the tiniest inkling toward foodie culture. But it turns out, the longtime Food Network star's journey to fame is just as impressive as her cooking. Here's why this chef is still turning heads.

Born in Rome in 1970, Giada didn't exactly descend from food TV royalty, but she was born into a high-profile Italian family. Her grandfather was the famed Italian movie mogul Dino De Laurentiis, and her parents were actress Veronica De Laurentiis and actor-producer Alex De Benedetti.

By all accounts, Giada's early years in Italy were filled with lots of happy memories. But despite the fact that the De Laurentiis clan was entrenched in the film industry, Giada wasn't exactly curious about the family biz. She told Food & Wine,

"I wasn't looking to get into TV. My family was in the movie business, so I was never interested in that world."

Clearly, Giada was determined to march to the beat of her own drum. Keep watching to learn why Giada De Laurentiis' Transformation Is Seriously Turning Heads!

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Born into the good life | 0:00

Immigrant student | 1:07

Aspiring foodie | 2:04

Making family history | 2:56

Meeting her soulmate | 3:42

A Paris education | 4:20

Not made for TV? | 5:08

A devastating loss | 6:09

The chef becomes a star | 7:10

A bundle of surprises | 8:12

Boss on the Strip | 9:03

Making a break | 9:05

Shocking her family | 10:41

Not stopping now | 11:35