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Chef Elle Simone Scott, Trailblazer, Dies at 49

1/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Chef Elle Simone Scott, the first Black woman on PBS's America’s Test Kitchen, died January 5 at 49 from ovarian cancer.
Scott was a Detroit native who shifted from social work to the culinary arts after the 2008 recession.
Scott authored bestselling cookbooks and founded SheChef Inc. to mentor women of color.
Tributes from colleagues, including Carla Hall, highlighted her impact.
Memorial arrangements have not yet been announced.

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Story summary

Chef Elle Simone Scott, the first Black woman on PBS's America’s Test Kitchen, died January 5 at 49 from ovarian cancer.
Scott was a Detroit native who shifted from social work to the culinary arts after the 2008 recession.
Scott authored bestselling cookbooks and founded SheChef Inc. to mentor women of color.
Tributes from colleagues, including Carla Hall, highlighted her impact.
Memorial arrangements have not yet been announced.