Celebrity chef Skye Gyngell has died at 62, only days after losing her mother, marking a heartbreaking double loss for the family. Her loved ones confirmed she passed away on 22 November in London, as reported by The Guardian.
“We are deeply saddened to share news of Skye Gyngell’s passing on 22nd November in London, surrounded by her family and loved ones. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy and is an inspiration to us all,” the family said, as reported by the Mirror.
Skye had been diagnosed last year with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. Her death follows closely after the passing of her mother, which was shared publicly by her sister-in-law, Leila McKinnon.
A Culinary Visionary and Champion of the Slow Food Movement
Throughout her career, Skye became one of the most respected voices in the culinary world. She rose to prominence as head chef at Petersham Nurseries Café, where she earned a Michelin star in 2011 and became the first, and so far the only, Australian woman to receive the prestigious honor, as reported by the BBC.
She was known for championing the slow food movement and preserving traditional cooking methods.
Her relationship with the Michelin award was complicated. She once called the star a “curse,” later adding in an interview, “If I ever have another restaurant, I pray we don’t get a star.”
She later expressed regret, explaining that the pressure and fine-dining expectations did not match the rustic setup of Petersham. Speaking to the Evening Standard, she said, “Probably I shouldn’t have said it, because I didn’t mean it in a rude way against Michelin. To get a Michelin star was an amazingly wonderful thing. But the infrastructure at Petersham made it very difficult. We essentially cooked from a garage.”
Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson Lead Emotional Tributes
Some of the culinary world’s biggest names expressed heartbreak over Skye’s loss. As per The Daily Mail, Jamie Oliver called her “an amazing woman and incredible cook and kind-hearted,” adding, “She will be very, very, very missed. Thank you for all you did to inspire young cooks.”
Nigella Lawson shared her grief and focused her message on Skye’s daughters, Holly and Evie. “However ill you know someone to be, their death is always a shock. It’s just awful that Skye is no longer in the world. It’s a tremendous loss, and I’m heartbroken for Holly and Evie and all those who loved her and learned from her.”
GettyAustralian chef Kylie Kwong remembered Skye as “one of the greatest cooks of all time,” while Danielle Alvarez, culinary director at Sydney Opera House, described her as an “inspiration to us all.”
A Legacy That Redefined Modern Cooking
After leaving Petersham Nurseries Café, Skye took on the role of culinary director at Heckfield Place and later opened her own restaurant at Somerset House. She also served as food editor for Vogue and became a guiding voice for young chefs and writers, known for her devotion to simplicity, seasonality, and ingredient-led cooking.
Skye leaves behind a worldwide community of chefs, home cooks, and diners who admired her artistry and her unmistakable influence on modern cuisine. Her legacy extends far beyond accolades, carried by her commitment to honest food and the deep sincerity she brought to every dish.
