Sonny Side, born William Sonbuchner, is a celebrated YouTuber and filmmaker best known for his channel “Best Ever Food Review Show.” As of 2024, he is 39 years old and has amassed an impressive net worth of approximately $5 million. His channel, with over 8.3 million subscribers, showcases his adventurous culinary journeys, and while he shares much of his professional life with the public, his personal life, particularly about his wife, remains shrouded in mystery.
How Did Sonny Start His Journey?
Sonny’s path to stardom wasn’t a straightforward one. Born on August 22, 1984, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, he grew up with a love for visual storytelling. During his high school years at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, Sonny dabbled in filmmaking, planting the seeds for his future career. However, his academic life was far from stable, as he attended three different colleges but never earned a degree. Despite these challenges, Sonny remained dedicated to his passion for content creation.
At the age of 24, Sonny moved to South Korea to teach English, which eventually led him to discover his true calling — travel and food videography. Originally interested in pursuing massage therapy, Sonny quickly pivoted towards creating content that would introduce global audiences to unique culinary experiences. His love for food and travel combined to form the foundation of the “Best Ever Food Review Show.”
What Sets Sonny’s Content Apart?
The “Best Ever Food Review Show” is not your typical food vlog. Sonny Side takes viewers on an extraordinary journey across the globe, showcasing rare and often unconventional foods from various cultures. His fearless approach to trying unfamiliar dishes sets him apart from other food content creators. Instead of sticking to well-known cuisines, Sonny embraces local delicacies, some of which may seem strange or challenging to others.
In 2020, his show made history by becoming the first U.S.-owned YouTube channel to film in Iran. This milestone highlighted Sonny’s commitment to breaking down cultural barriers through food, offering viewers a broader understanding of the world’s diverse culinary landscapes. His adventurous spirit and authenticity keep his audience engaged and coming back for more.
What Are Sonny’s Career Highlights?
Sonny’s dedication to producing high-quality, engaging content has earned him notable recognition in the industry. In 2020, he received the prestigious Webby Award for People’s Voice: Viral Video of the Year, a significant accolade in the digital entertainment space. He was also recognized as a 2020 Webby Official Honoree in the Food & Drink category, further cementing his reputation as a leading food and travel content creator.
Sonny has also expanded his horizons beyond YouTube. His recent collaboration with Netflix on the series “Wildly Delightful” showcases his versatility as a filmmaker, allowing him to reach new audiences and solidify his place in the entertainment industry.
What Role Does Sonny’s Wife Play in His Success?
Though Sonny Side is a public figure, he has managed to keep details about his personal life relatively private. He is married to a Vietnamese woman, whose identity remains undisclosed. She prefers to stay out of the spotlight, rarely appearing in Sonny’s content. However, it is known that she plays a significant role behind the scenes as a producer for the “Best Ever Food Review Show.”
Their decision to maintain a low-profile relationship has contributed to the stability of their marriage. Sonny has mentioned in passing that they have chosen not to have children for now, allowing him to focus on his growing career. Their mutual understanding and support for each other have helped Sonny maintain a balance between his personal and professional life.
How Does Sonny Earn His Wealth?
With a net worth of around $5 million, Sonny has diversified his income streams beyond just YouTube ad revenue. While his channel is a primary source of income through advertisements on both YouTube and Facebook, Sonny has also secured lucrative sponsorship deals with food and travel-related brands. His wide-reaching and highly engaged audience makes him an attractive partner for companies looking to promote their products.
Additionally, Sonny’s brand collaborations and travel partnerships further contribute to his earnings. His influence in the food and travel niche has opened doors to various business opportunities, expanding his wealth beyond content creation. The success of his Netflix collaboration is another example of how he continues to evolve and grow within the entertainment industry.
What Challenges Did Sonny Face Before Finding Success?
Before Sonny Side became a YouTube sensation, he faced numerous challenges. He worked in various jobs, including a stint at the radio station 104.7 KCLD and in the restaurant industry, working at Applebee’s. Sonny’s early ambition was to make a name for himself in radio, but rejections from major stations forced him to reconsider his path.
The turning point in his life came when he moved to South Korea to teach English. This experience not only opened his eyes to different cultures but also provided the time and space for him to experiment with video content. These early trials eventually led to the creation of the “Best Ever Food Review Show,” which has since become a global phenomenon.
What’s Next for Sonny Side?
Despite the success he’s already achieved, Sonny Side shows no signs of slowing down. With his unique approach to food and travel content, he continues to push boundaries and explore new opportunities. His ability to keep his content fresh, engaging, and culturally insightful sets him apart from other creators in the same genre.
As he expands his reach with collaborations on platforms like Netflix, the future looks promising for Sonny Side. Fans can expect more daring adventures, unique food discoveries, and perhaps more behind-the-scenes glimpses into the life of this enigmatic and talented creator.
Conclusion
Sonny Side has built an impressive career through his passion for travel, food, and filmmaking. With an estimated net worth of $5 million as of 2024, he continues to inspire millions with his fearless approach to exploring global cuisines. While he keeps his personal life private, his wife’s behind-the-scenes contributions and their shared journey underscore the balance between his public persona and his personal world. As Sonny Side continues to grow his brand, his adventurous spirit and dedication will undoubtedly lead to even greater achievements in the years to come.
