Jonathan Cheban facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jonathan Cheban
Cheban in 2024
Born	Jonathan Cheban (1973-02-21) February 21, 1973 (age 52) Kishinev, Moldavian SSR, Soviet Union
Education	Fort Lee High School
Alma mater	Hofstra University
Occupation	Reality TV personality entrepreneur
Television	Keeping Up with the Kardashians The Spin Crowd Celebs Go Dating

Foodgod (born Jonathan Cheban; 21 February 1974) is an American reality television star and businessman. He used to work as a publicist. He is well-known for appearing on the TV show Keeping Up with the Kardashians and its spin-off series.

Early Life and Education

Jonathan Cheban was born in Moldova, which was part of the Soviet Union in 1974. He was the only child in his family. His mother, Galina, worked as a real-estate agent. His father, Mikhail, was a diamond dealer. Mikhail passed away in 2011.

Jonathan grew up in Fort Lee, New Jersey. He went to Fort Lee High School. After high school, he studied at Hofstra University. He earned a degree in communications in 1995. Jonathan comes from a Russian Jewish background.

Career Journey

Starting in Public Relations

After finishing college, Jonathan Cheban started working for a publicist named Peggy Siegal. Her company was in New York City. A publicist helps famous people and businesses get good attention from the public.

One time, a music manager asked Siegal to help with a big birthday party for Sean Combs. When Siegal said no, Jonathan decided to take the job himself. He then left Siegal's company. He started his own public relations firm with two other publicists. In 2001, he left that company and created his own firm called CommandPR.

Becoming a Reality TV Star

Jonathan Cheban became famous when he appeared on the reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashians. He was shown as a close friend of the Kardashian sisters. He also appeared in many episodes of their other shows. These included Kourtney and Kim Take New York, Kourtney and Kim Take Miami, and Kourtney and Khloé Take The Hamptons.

In 2010, Jonathan got his own reality show called The Spin Crowd. This show followed Jonathan, Simon Huck, and their team at his public relations company. Kim Kardashian helped produce the show because they were good friends. The show focused on their work and personal lives. It ran for one season with eight episodes.

Jonathan's friendship with Kim Kardashian has stayed in the public eye. In 2012, he even made a funny video. It made fun of himself for being known mostly as Kim's friend.

In January 2016, Jonathan joined Celebrity Big Brother 17 in the U.K. He was a housemate on the show. He chose to leave the show after a few days. He finished in 15th place.

In 2017, Jonathan also appeared on the second season of a U.K. show called "Celebs Go Dating".

Other Business Ventures

Jonathan Cheban has explored many different businesses. In 2008, he launched his own clothing line called Kritik. He also designed jewelry for a brand called RichRocks. In late 2012, he opened a restaurant in Miami called Sushi MiKasa.

On November 24, 2013, Jonathan co-hosted a special pre-show for the 2013 American Music Awards. It was called Coca-Cola Red Carpet Live!. In January 2014, he launched a product called Glam Screen. This product is a protective cover for smartphones that also works as a mirror.

In 2014, Jonathan started TheDishh. This is an entertainment and lifestyle website. It shares information about what Jonathan and his team think are the best foods, gadgets, and entertainment.

In February 2015, he opened a fast food restaurant called Burger Bandit. It is located in Lynbrook, New York, on Long Island.

In late 2019, Jonathan launched his own podcast. It is called Foodgod: OMFG!.

Personal Life

In October 2019, Jonathan Cheban officially changed his legal name. He changed it to his social media name, Foodgod. He had started the process to change his name in January of that year.

Film and Television Appearances