Elle Simone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elle Simone
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| Born |
LaShawnda Sherise Simone Scott
November 28, 1976 Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
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| Died | January 5, 2026 (aged 49) |
| Occupation | Chef, culinary producer, test cook and food stylist |
Elle Simone, also known as Elle Simone Scott, was a talented American chef. She was also a culinary producer, a test cook, and a food stylist. Born on November 28, 1976, she became famous for her work in the food world. She was the first Black woman to be a regular host on the popular PBS television show America's Test Kitchen. Elle Simone also created an important organization called SheChef. She passed away on January 5, 2026.
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Who Was Elle Simone?
Elle Simone was a remarkable person who loved food and cooking. She inspired many people with her skills and her dedication. Her journey from a social worker to a celebrated chef shows her passion and hard work.
Her Early Life and Learning
Elle Simone was born LaShawnda Sherise Simone Scott in Detroit, Michigan. She grew up in a loving family. She attended Eastern Michigan University for her studies. Her very first job in cooking was at a bakery in Oak Park, Michigan. Before becoming a full-time chef, Elle worked as a social worker in Detroit. She also spent time as a prep cook, learning more about the kitchen. Later, she went to the Culinary Institute of New York to become a professional chef. She also earned a master's degree in entertainment business.
A Career in the Kitchen
Elle Simone faced some tough times early in her career. Around 2008, she lost her job and her home. This led her to take a job as a cook on a cruise ship for two years. This experience helped her grow her cooking skills. In 2009, she moved to New York. She continued to help people while also pursuing her dream. In 2010, she enrolled in culinary school.
After culinary school, Elle gained valuable experience. She completed an internship with the Food Network. She worked as a food stylist, making food look amazing for photos and TV. Her work included projects for Cabot Creamery and the TV show The Chew. She also worked behind the scenes in culinary production for shows like Cook's Country, Food Network, Bravo, and Cooking Channel.
Becoming a TV Star
In 2016, Elle Simone made history. She became the first African American woman to be a regular host on America's Test Kitchen. On the show, she was a test cook and a food stylist. She also created helpful cooking videos for the show's online school. Her presence on the show brought new ideas and perspectives to viewers.
Elle's work was recognized widely. In 2018, she was featured on NBC's The Hub Today. In 2019, she hosted a special series called 28 Days of Edna. This series focused on the life and recipes of the famous chef Edna Lewis. Elle Simone was also a member of the board for Women Chefs and Restaurateurs. She once shared her dream of becoming the "culinary Oprah," showing her big ambitions.
Sharing Her Knowledge
Elle Simone also shared her cooking expertise through books. She wrote:
- Boards: Stylish Spreads for Casual Gatherings. This book was published in 2022.
- Food Gifts: 150+ Irresistible Recipes for Crafting Personalized Presents. This book came out in 2024.
Helping Others Through SheChef
In 2013, Elle Simone started an organization called SheChef. This group helps women of color who want to work in the culinary field. SheChef offers mentoring and networking opportunities. Elle created SheChef because she noticed that many women and people of color studied cooking, but few became head chefs. She wanted to help more talented individuals succeed. By November 2018, SheChef had grown to over 1000 members.
Her Legacy
Elle Simone was a strong and inspiring person. She faced a health challenge when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2016. She continued to work and inspire others. Elle Simone passed away on January 5, 2026, at the age of 49. Her contributions to the culinary world and her efforts to support other women will always be remembered.
