Rock Harper was a clear leader from the start. And ever since winning Hell's Kitchen season 3, he's been continuing to lead everywhere he goes.

For eighteen seasons, Hell’s Kitchen has been a hot ticket to insult town. Fox’s cooking competition series has consistently served us talented and some not-so-talented chefs battling it out in the kitchen. Each contestant hopeful to be the last chef standing, and the winner of $250k and a position in one of Gordon’s many restaurants. But each season is more than just cooking - it’s a drama of big personalities. So when the winner has been named, we’re often left wondering: Where are they now? Particularly when it comes to past contestants like Rahman “Rock” Harper, the winner of season 3.

Rock Harper, who is by far one of the most loved and talented of all past contestants, came into season 3 as an executive chef from Spotsylvania Courthouse, Va., with a culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University. He immediately took center stage as a chef to watch. He was friendly, fun, and could easily motivate his teammates. His natural leadership skills stood out as he rose to meet each and every challenge Chef Ramsay delivered. His one shortcoming was his emotions which often got the best of him. His occasional outbursts in the kitchen lead to many confrontations. Each time though, Rock made sure to reconcile with his fellow chefs. His level head and clear talents lead him to take home the $250,000 prize and the executive chef position at Terra Verde.   

Rock took the year contract at Terra Verde and when his year contract was up, he moved on to an executive chef position at Ben’s Next Door. He’s since worked at several other restaurants, and even became an instructor at Stratford University. In 2010 he published a book, 44 Things Parents Should Know and Healthy Cooking for Kids. He’s been the National Celebrity Chef for the March of Dimes since 2008. Currently, he’s making some very delicious looking fried chicken at Queen Mother's in DC and agrees with that old adage, "Do what you love and you'll NEVER work another day in your life!"

Despite being incredibly busy doing what he loves, Rock didn’t stay away from TV. In 2013 he appeared on Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell. He won his season and was offered the executive chef position at The Precinct, a Cincinnati steakhouse, but declined the offer. He’s also returned to his Hell’s Kitchen home more than a time or two. In fact, Rock holds the record for most return visits out of all former contestants. He’s made repeat appearances on eight seasons of Hell’s Kitchen. Since season 19 took two years to come out and showrunner Kenny Rosen has promised season 19 & 20 have some big twists and surprises in store, we can only hope that Rock will grace us with another appearance.

Next: Hell's Kitchen: Why It Took Gordon Ramsay Over Two Years To Do Season 19

Source: Rock Harper, Fandom, Reality TV Revisited