Boston chef Elle Simone Scott was best known as the first black woman to join the PBS show America’s Test Kitchen. She joined the cast in 2016 where she worked as a test chef, host and editor.
She wasn’t able to enjoy the excitement of joining the show for long before her good news was followed by bad news. Shortly after joining the show, she was diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer. She was very vocal about her cancer journey and described herself as a “thriver” not a “survivor.”
She went into remission, but the cancer eventually returned. Now, PEOPLE reports that Scott has lost her battle with cancer. America’s Test Kitchen has confirmed the sad news. She was only 49 years old.
In a tribute to her late friend, chef Carla Hall wrote on Instagram, “Chef Elle Simone Scott was a friend, a force, and a trailblazer. She showed up with excellence, generosity, and deep love for food and community.”
Hall went on to explain how influential Scott was at America’s Test Kitchen. She wrote, “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. She didn’t just test recipes; she changed what representation looked like in food media.”
She also shared how Scott used her platform to raise awareness about ovarian cancer. She explained, “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 ended the lengthy caption by speaking directly to her late friend. She shared, “We honor you, Elle.Your legacy lives on in every kitchen you inspired and every cook who finally saw themselves reflected back. Rest well my sister.”
In a statement shared with PEOPLE, America’s Test Kitchen’s Chief Content Officer, Dan Souza, shared, “Friends and colleagues will remember Scott for her ability to create community and provide opportunities for others, both inside and outside of work.” He continued, “Scott brought warmth and a vibrant spirit to everything she did. 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.”
Watch the video below to learn more about Scott and her cancer battle.
