You might know him as Sad Papi, the tattooed chef in the black hoodie, but the creator behind the viral cooking videos is Brandon Skier.
He’s known for sharing his pro-chef tips on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, making complex recipes feel approachable.
So, who is the man behind the handle? Let's explore his background, his rise to fame, his personal life, and what makes him stand out as a digital creator.
How old is Brandon Skier?
Brandon Skier is turning 33 in 2025. Born on June 14, 1992, this makes him a Gemini.
Where is Brandon Skier from?
Brandon Skier is a Los Angeles native.
He also built his impressive culinary career there, spending over a decade in some of the city's most celebrated kitchens long before he became a viral sensation.
Brandon Skier's family and personal life
When it comes to his personal life, Brandon appears to be in a relationship with fellow content creator Remy Park, also known as @veggiekins.
Beyond his cooking, his signature look—often featuring a backwards baseball cap—has become a key part of his Sad Papi brand.
Brandon Skier's journey as a creator
Brandon Skier's success seems to stem from his unique blend of high-end culinary skills and a down-to-earth, educational teaching style. Here’s a look at his journey:
- After a decade-plus career in top LA restaurants, he lost his job during the pandemic and began sharing his expertise on TikTok as @sad_papi.
- His approachable videos, complete with his signature black hoodie and tattoos, quickly resonated with viewers, leading to features in publications like The New York Times.
- In March 2024, he released his cookbook, Make It Fancy, which became a national bestseller and was praised by outlets like Epicurious and Eater.
- He continues to connect with his audience through new projects, including a recent collaboration with the LA Galaxy for a special dining event.
What kinds of followers does Brandon Skier have?
Brandon's audience seems to be made up of aspiring home chefs who want to level up their kitchen game. They're likely the type to get inspired by a cool TikTok video and immediately want to try the recipe themselves.
At the same time, he likely attracts serious food lovers who appreciate his decade of experience in high-end restaurants. These are the fans who want to turn their everyday meals into something special, just like the title of his cookbook suggests.
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