Elle Simone Scott, one of the first Black women audiences saw in America’s Test Kitchen and a transformative force in the food industry, passed away on January 5, 2026. She lost her life to ovarian cancer at the age of 49.
Her passing was announced on January 7, 2026, by fellow chef Carla Hall. Hall lauded Scott for her groundbreaking role in enhancing racial diversity in culinary 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 stated in her tribute.
In 2016, Scott joined the PBS show as a test cook and executive editor. Her prominent role on the program made her a symbol of hope for aspiring chefs of color in a sector that has predominantly lacked diversity. In addition to her television work, Scott created content for the show’s online cooking school and worked as a food stylist.
Scott, born LaShawnda Sherese Simone Scott on November 28, 1976, in Detroit, Michigan, had a unique journey to culinary fame. Initially, a social worker in Detroit, the 2008 economic downturn drastically shifted her career path. Scott lost her job, vehicle, and home during the crisis, leading her to reevaluate her career.
In 2009, after these life-altering events, Scott relocated to New York City and enrolled at the Culinary Institute of New York to pursue her culinary passion. She interned at Food Network, thereby gaining valuable experience in food television production. Scott later produced content for Bravo and the Cooking Channel, establishing an impressive industry reputation.
In 2013, aware of the limited opportunities for women of color in the culinary world, Scott established SheChef. This culinary networking group offered support and resources for underrepresented voices in the food industry, creating opportunities for those facing similar obstacles she had faced. The organization prioritized mentorship, professional development, and community building for women chefs of color.
Upon relocating to Boston to work at America’s Test Kitchen, Scott was diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer in 2016. The cancer initially went into remission, but unfortunately, it reappeared in 2020.
Scott continued to work and advocate for causes she deeply cared about, even during her illness. She was passionate about addressing food access issues in Black and brown communities. Having previously been a recipient of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Scott advocated for SNAP and school lunch programs. She utilized her platform to shed light on systemic disparities in food distribution and availability.
In 2019, Scott hosted a month-long series on America’s Test Kitchen, 28 Days of Edna, dedicated to celebrating the work of chef Edna Lewis. The program displayed Scott’s commitment to honoring influential Black culinary figures and ensuring their contributions were duly recognized. This series underlined Scott’s devotion to preserving and promoting African American culinary heritage.
Scott’s contributions were not limited to television. She authored best-selling cookbooks, including “Boards: Stylish Spreads for Casual Gatherings” in 2022 and “Food Gifts: 150+ Irresistible Recipes for Crafting Personalized Presents” in 2024. She also hosted The Walk-In podcast. Her work reflected her accessible style and her belief in the power of food to bring people together.
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 noted. “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, a PBS program, has been a mainstay in cooking television for several decades. It focuses on rigorous recipe testing and equipping home cooks with reliable techniques. Scott’s role in the show brought not only culinary expertise but also a much-needed representation that had previously been lacking in the show’s history.
In her tribute, Hall spotlighted Scott’s bravery in publicly confronting her illness. “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 openness about her battle with cancer helped raise awareness about a disease that is often diagnosed in later stages and disproportionately affects specific populations.
Scott’s legacy extends beyond the recipes she perfected and the shows she hosted. Her life’s work illustrated that culinary excellence, coupled with equity advocacy, can transform an industry. The networks she established, the awareness she raised, and the representation she provided will continue to shape the culinary world long after her passing.