The culinary world is in mourning following the death of celebrated TV chef, Elle Simone Scott, at the age of 49. Scott passed away after a courageous, decade-long battle with ovarian cancer, her death confirmed in a tribute posted by America's Test Kitchen.
A Trailblazing Career Forged from Adversity
Born in Michigan, Elle Simone Scott's path to culinary stardom was unconventional. She initially worked as a social worker before losing her job during the 2008 financial crash. This pivotal moment led her to pursue food styling and cooking in her late twenties. She famously expressed a desire to become the "culinary Oprah", aiming to build a platform that would allow her to support her family.
Her big break came when she joined the multimedia cookery company America's Test Kitchen (ATK) in 2016 as a food stylist, later becoming a long-time cast member on their television show. Scott was hailed as a "trailblazer", recognised as one of the first Black women to host a major American TV cookery programme. Colleagues said she "helped open doors" for others in the industry.
Public Battle with Cancer and Lasting Legacy
Tragically, shortly after her move to Boston for the ATK role, Scott was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer in 2016. She chose to speak openly about her illness, using her profile to raise awareness. She performed cooking demonstrations of chemotherapy-friendly food for the America's National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.
In 2018, while in remission, she told the Boston Globe: "When I was getting chemo, I promised God two things: ‘God, if you let me survive cancer I will use my platform to bring attention to this cancer and any other women’s cancer, and I will give my all to SheChef and give my all to women who look like me.’"
Beyond television, Scott co-founded SheChef Inc, an organisation dedicated to mentoring young women of colour pursuing careers in the culinary arts.
An Outpouring of Heartfelt Tributes
The official announcement of her death on ATK's Instagram page prompted an immediate flood of condolences from devastated fans and peers. The tribute described her as an "incredible human being" who brought "warmth and a vibrant spirit to everything she did."
Fellow celebrity chef Carla Hall, of Top Chef fame, paid a moving tribute on Facebook. She wrote: "Chef Elle Simone Scott was a friend, a force, and a trailblazer... At America’s Test Kitchen, Elle helped open doors that had long been closed... She didn’t just test recipes; she changed what representation looked like in food media."
Hall added that Scott faced her illness with "courage and honesty" and assured that her "legacy lives on in every kitchen you inspired." The sentiment was echoed by countless fans online, with one commenting that Scott was "the best to ever to do it" and had given "so much of herself."
