When did Elle Simone Scott pass away?

Elle Simone Scott passed away on January 5, 2026.

What was Elle Simone Scott known for?

She was known for her role on 'America's Test Kitchen,' her founding of SheChef, and her advocacy for diversity and food access in the culinary world.

SheChef is a culinary networking group founded by Elle Simone Scott to support and connect underrepresented individuals in the food industry.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Remembering Elle Simone Scott: Chef, Advocate, Star

Remembering Elle Simone Scott: Chef, Advocate, Star

8 Jan

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Summary

Elle Simone Scott, a celebrated chef and food stylist, passed away on January 5th at 49.
She was the first Black woman to regularly appear on PBS's 'America's Test Kitchen'.
Scott founded SheChef to support underrepresented individuals in the culinary industry.

Remembering Elle Simone Scott: Chef, Advocate, Star

Boston-based chef and food stylist Elle Simone Scott passed away on January 5th at the age of 49. Her family confirmed her death, marking the end of a vibrant career that significantly impacted the culinary world. Scott was a pioneering figure, notably becoming the first Black woman to be a regular on the acclaimed PBS program "America's Test Kitchen" in 2016.

Scott's passion for food was ignited in her youth, inspired by her great-grandmother's cooking. She pivoted to a culinary career after facing job loss during the 2008 recession, seeking fulfillment in her lifelong love of cooking. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of New York, she worked for various media outlets, but noticed the lack of representation for women of color. This led her to establish SheChef in 2013, a vital networking group aimed at fostering community and support among underrepresented culinary professionals.