Elle Simone Scott obit

Elle Simone Scott Dies: ‘America’s Test Kitchen’ Chef, Host & Vocal Advocate For Diversity & Inclusion In Food TV Was 49

 

She was not on the list.

Chef Elle Simone Scott, the first Black woman to appear as a regular host on PBS’ America’s Test Kitchen, who fought tirelessly for diversity and inclusion in the food industry, died January 5 from ovarian cancer. She was 49.

Her death was announced by her friend and fellow chef Carla Hall on social media.

“Chef Elle Simone Scott was a friend, a force, and a trailblazer,” Hall wrote in a post Wednesday on Facebook. “She showed up with excellence, generosity, and deep love for food and community.

“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 continued. “She didn’t just test recipes; she changed what representation looked like in food media. Her voice mattered. Her work mattered. She mattered.”

Born LaShawnda Sherise Simone Scott on Nov. 28, 1976, Scott grew up in Detroit, MI, and attended Eastern Michigan University, later attending the Culinary Institute of New York. First working as a social worker in Detroit, Scott did an internship with Food Network, then in 2016 she became the first Black woman to appear as a regular host on the PBS television show America’s Test Kitchen. She was a test cook and food stylist and also developed videos for the show’s online cooking school.

Simone founded SheChef, a for-profit mentoring and networking organization for women of color in the culinary field, in 2013.

She was featured in a segment on NBC Boston’s The Hub Today,  and in 2019 hosted 28 Days of Edna, a monthlong America’s Test Kitchen series focused on American chef and teacher Edna Lewis.

Scott was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2016, at the age of 40.

“Elle faced ovarian cancer with courage and honesty, using her platform to educate, advocate, and uplift even while fighting for her life. That kind of strength leaves a mark,” Hall wrote.

“We honor you, Elle,” Hall continued. “Your legacy lives on in every kitchen you inspired and every cook who finally saw themselves reflected back. Rest well my sister.”