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Elle Simone Scott, Trailblazing America’s Test Kitchen Chef, Dies at 49

Her pioneering presence on the PBS series widened representation for Black women in food media.

Overview

  • Her family said she died on Jan. 5 after a long battle with ovarian cancer, a passing later confirmed by America’s Test Kitchen.
  • Scott joined America’s Test Kitchen in 2016 as the show’s first Black woman to appear as a regular on-air presence, also serving as a host and executive editor.
  • Diagnosed with ovarian cancer shortly after moving to Boston in 2016, she used her platform to educate audiences about the disease and survivorship.
  • She founded SheChef in 2013 to provide networking and mentorship for women chefs of color and to build supportive professional communities.
  • She authored bestselling cookbooks, including Boards (2022) and Food Gifts (2024), as tributes from Carla Hall and ATK’s Dan Souza praised her impact and legacy.