If you spent any time watching PBS over the last decade, you probably felt like you knew Ben Knight. He was the quiet, artistic, sometimes-stressed foil to the whirlwind energy of Vivian Howard on A Chef’s Life. Together, they were the ultimate culinary power couple, trading the concrete jungle of New York City for the tobacco fields of Eastern North Carolina to build a restaurant empire.
But lately, fans have been asking a very specific question: is Ben Knight married?
The short answer is: No, not anymore.
While they were the face of farm-to-table success for years, the reality behind the scenes shifted. Honestly, it’s one of those Hollywood-style stories that actually happened in a small town called Kinston.
The Divorce That Shocked the Food World
For nearly twenty years, Ben Knight and Vivian Howard were inseparable. They met while working at a restaurant in New York called Voyage, started a soup delivery business out of their tiny apartment (literally chilling soup in their bathtub), and eventually moved to Deep Run, North Carolina, to open Chef & the Farmer.
👉 See also: Michael Joseph Jackson Jr: What Most People Get Wrong About Prince
They built a life that looked like a dream on camera. Twins, successful restaurants, Emmy awards—the whole nine yards.
However, in early 2023, Vivian Howard confirmed what many had been whispering about in the hospitality industry: the couple had divorced.
It wasn't a sudden, explosive tabloid scandal. It was more of a quiet transition. In an essay for the New York Times, Vivian touched on the immense pressure of running a restaurant group while maintaining a marriage under the spotlight. By the time the news became public, the split was already finalized.
Where is Ben Knight Now?
So, if he’s not married to Vivian, what’s he doing?
✨ Don't miss: Emma Thompson and Family: What Most People Get Wrong About Her Modern Tribe
Ben didn't just vanish into thin air. He’s actually been very busy carving out his own path, separate from the "Vivian Howard" brand.
- The Pizza Pivot: Ben took the lead at Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria in Wilmington. If you go there today, you’re more likely to see his influence than Vivian’s.
- Artistic Roots: Before he was a restaurateur, Ben was an artist. He’s gone back to those roots in a big way, focusing on his painting and contemporary art.
- Co-Parenting: He and Vivian still share their twins, Flo and Theo. By all accounts, they’ve managed to keep the family unit stable despite the end of the marriage.
It’s easy to assume that when a "famous" couple breaks up, everything falls apart. But in this case, it seems like a restructuring of their lives. Ben has stepped out of the shadow of the PBS cameras and back into the things he actually loves: art and casual hospitality.
Why People Still Think They Are Together
It’s the "Netflix Effect" (or in this case, the PBS Effect). Because A Chef’s Life and Somewhere South are still on streaming platforms and airing in reruns, new viewers are discovering Ben and Vivian for the first time every day.
To a viewer in 2026 watching a 2015 episode, they look like a perfectly happy married couple.
🔗 Read more: How Old Is Breanna Nix? What the American Idol Star Is Doing Now
The internet has a way of freezing people in time. You see them bickering over a menu or building their dream house, and it’s hard to reconcile that with the fact that they now live separate lives.
What This Means for Chef & the Farmer
The restaurant that started it all, Chef & the Farmer, underwent a massive transformation recently. It’s no longer the high-end, white-tablecloth destination it once was. Vivian has reimagined it into something more casual.
Ben’s involvement in the day-to-day operations of the broader Vivian Howard Restaurant Group has significantly decreased as he focuses on his own projects.
Moving Forward: Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re a fan of Ben’s work or just curious about how to keep up with him, here’s the best way to navigate his "new" reality:
- Visit Benny’s Big Time: If you want to see Ben’s style of hospitality, head to Wilmington. It’s vibrant, loud, and less about the "Southern Chef" persona and more about great food.
- Follow the Art: Check out Ben’s contemporary art. He has a distinct style that was often featured in the background of their show, but it deserves a front-row seat now.
- Respect the Privacy: Both Ben and Vivian have been relatively private about the specific reasons for their split. While it’s natural to be curious, focusing on their individual professional successes is a better way to support them.
The story of Ben Knight isn't a tragedy about a failed marriage. It’s more of a chapter break. He’s no longer half of a power couple; he’s an individual artist and business owner finding his own rhythm in North Carolina.