Elle Simone Scott, a revolutionary chef and television personality who made history as the first Black woman to be a regular onair member of “America’s Test Kitchen”, passed away at the age of 49. Scott’s death, which occurred on January 5, 2026, was due to ovarian cancer.
Carla Hall, a fellow chef, announced Scott’s passing on January 7, 2026. Praising Scott as a groundbreaker, Hall highlighted her transformative role in diversifying food media. “At America’s Test Kitchen, Elle helped open doors that had long been closed—becoming one of the first Black women audiences saw in the test kitchen, and doing so with grace, authority, and joy,” Hall wrote in her tribute.
In 2016, Scott began her journey with the PBS program, serving as a test cook and executive editor. Her on-screen presence made her a recognizable role model for aspiring chefs of color in a sector with a history of lacking diversity. In addition to her on-camera work, Scott created content for the show’s online cooking school and was also a food stylist.
Born LaShawnda Sherese Simone Scott on November 28, 1976, in Detroit, Michigan, her journey to culinary fame was unconventional. Initially, a social worker in Detroit, the 2008 recession dramatically shifted her career path. Scott lost her job, car, and home during the financial crisis, which forced her to rethink her career.
These significant losses catalyzed change. In 2009, Scott moved to New York City and enrolled at the Culinary Institute of New York, finally pursuing a professional career in cooking. She landed an internship at the Food Network, gaining essential experience in food television production. Scott continued to produce content for Bravo and the Cooking Channel, thereby establishing her reputation in the industry.
Aware of the limited opportunities for women of color in the culinary world, Scott established SheChef in 2013. This culinary networking group aimed to support and provide resources for underrepresented voices in the food industry, creating opportunities for others who faced similar obstacles. The organization prioritized mentorship, professional development, and community building for women chefs of color.
Scott’s move to Boston to work for America’s Test Kitchen coincided with a significant change in her life. In 2016, shortly after she joined the show, she was diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer at the age of 40. Instead of withdrawing from the public eye, Scott became a proactive cancer advocate, sharing her experiences openly with her audience and followers. The cancer initially went into remission, bringing hope, but unfortunately, it returned in 2020.
Despite her illness, Scott continued her work and advocacy for causes she believed in. She was particularly passionate about tackling food access issues in Black and brown communities. As a former recipient of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, she championed SNAP and school lunch programs, utilizing her platform to highlight systemic disparities in food distribution and accessibility.
In 2019, Scott hosted 28 Days of Edna, a series on America’s Test Kitchen dedicated to the celebration of chef Edna Lewis. This month-long program displayed Scott’s commitment to honoring pioneering Black culinary figures and ensuring their contributions were properly recognized. The series was a testament to Scott’s dedication to preserving and promoting African American culinary heritage.
Apart from her television contributions, Scott authored bestselling cookbooks, including Boards: Stylish Spreads for Casual Gatherings in 2022 and Food Gifts: 150+ Irresistible Recipes for Crafting Personalized Presents in 2024. These books reflected her approachable style and emphasis on bonding through food. Scott also hosted The Walk-In podcast, expanding her influence beyond television.
Dan Souza, Chief Content Officer of America’s Test Kitchen, confirmed Scott’s demise. “Scott brought warmth and a vibrant spirit to everything she did,” Souza stated. “Her legacy will live on at America’s Test Kitchen and in the homes and hearts of the millions of home cooks whose lives she touched.”
America’s Test Kitchen, broadcast on PBS, has been a mainstay of cooking television for years, emphasizing rigorous recipe testing and providing dependable techniques to home cooks. The show’s test kitchen format requires chefs to test recipes multiple times to guarantee viewer success. Scott’s role introduced not only culinary expertise but also representation that had been missing from the program’s history.
The food television industry has traditionally grappled with representation, often limiting people of color to niche programming rather than mainstream cooking shows. Scott’s prominence on a long-established PBS program marked a significant change. Her presence demonstrated to viewers and industry professionals that cooking expertise and authority extended beyond race and gender.
Hall’s tribute underlined Scott’s bravery in confronting her illness publicly. “Elle faced ovarian cancer with courage and honesty, using her platform to educate, advocate, and uplift even while fighting for her life,” Hall wrote. Scott’s candidness about her battle with cancer contributed to raising awareness about ovarian cancer, a disease that is often diagnosed in later stages and disproportionately affects certain groups.
Scott’s combination of roles as an entertainer and advocate distinguished her in food media. While many celebrity chefs primarily focus on their personal brands, Scott consistently utilized her platform to discuss broader issues, including food insecurity, representation, and healthcare advocacy. Her genuine commitment to social justice set her apart in an industry often scrutinized for superficiality.
Scott’s legacy encompasses not only the recipes she mastered and the shows she hosted, but also the opportunities she created for others. Her life’s work demonstrated that excellence in cooking combined with advocacy for equity could transform an industry. The networks she established, the awareness she raised, and the representation she provided will continue to influence the culinary world long after her death.