On Wednesday, 30 April 2025, news broke that Tomasz Jakubiak, the well-known chef, presenter and “MasterChef Nastolatki” judge, died at 41 after a long fight with a rare cancer. His death moved not only food lovers but also a wide audience, for whom he was a symbol of passion, warmth and authenticity.
Who was Tomasz Jakubiak?
Tomasz Jakubiak was a figure well known to lovers of cooking and television. He gained his popularity through his own culinary programmes, such as “Jakubiak rozgryza Polskę” (Jakubiak Cracks Poland), “Jakubiak w sezonie” (Jakubiak in Season) and “Jakubiak lokalnie” (Jakubiak Locally), broadcast on Canal+ Kuchnia and Food Network. His natural style, sense of humour and authenticity made viewers feel as if they were cooking together with a friend. He was also the author of acclaimed cookbooks and a columnist for the magazine “Moje Gotowanie” (My Cooking).
Battle with cancer
Diagnosis and treatment
In autumn 2024, Tomasz Jakubiak publicly announced his battle with a rare and malignant cancer that affected, among other things, his bones and digestive system. The diagnosis was a shock – the disease was detected at an advanced stage, and treatment in Poland quickly proved insufficient.
International fight for his health
With the help of family, friends and thousands of fans, fundraisers were launched to pay for expensive treatment abroad. Jakubiak first went to a clinic in Israel, where he underwent intensive therapy and surgery. Unfortunately, despite an initial improvement, the cancer proved exceptionally aggressive. In April 2025, due to his worsening condition and lung complications, an urgent ambulance transport to a specialist clinic in Athens was necessary. In these difficult moments, the culinary and television community showed enormous support, organising further fundraisers and aid campaigns.
Final farewell
The family announced Tomasz Jakubiak’s death through his official social media accounts, asking for their privacy to be respected during this painful time. It was stressed that he was not only a talented chef but above all a beloved father, husband and a person whose heart beat for others.
“His departure has left a void that cannot be described in words” – the family wrote in a farewell statement.
The legacy of Tomasz Jakubiak
Tomasz Jakubiak left behind not only recipes and programmes but above all inspiration to live with passion and openness. His story shows how great the power of community is and how important support is in difficult moments. For many, he will remain a model of authenticity and culinary enthusiasm.
