Lynn Yamada Davis, a TikTok chef known for her comedic cooking videos, has died at the age of 67, her son announced on social media Friday. Her son said her final moments were âsuper peaceful,â and she was surrounded by friends and family when she died. Her daughter, Hannah Mariko Shofet, told The New York Times her mother died of esophageal cancer. Davis had close to 30 million followers across various platforms, where she posted over-the-top videos of her cooking, often joking with her children.
Who Was Lynn Yamada Davis?
TikTok Star Known for âCooking With Lynjaâ
Davis began posting TikTok videos in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. She worked with her son, Tim Davis, to film her cooking tips and recipe ideas. His editing skills and her naturally funny and silly charm merged to create irresistible videos, beloved by the younger generation on TikTok. Millions watched Davis make pickle chips, cheesy ramen, cupcakes, and many other culinary creations. Davisâ son continued posting Cooking with Lynja videos after her death â they had made and edited several videos that had not yet been posted. Her son is also sharing some early videos they made years ago as she taught him how to cook.
Popular and Beloved Chef and Influencer
Davis was not only a TikTok star, but also a popular and beloved chef and influencer. She appeared in videos tasting food around the world but she most often cooked from home. She made wagyu steaks after complaining about the $100 price tag and ate sandwiches while dipping her feet in a kiddie pool â all the time maintaining a grandmotherly aura. An alter character âLittle Lynjaâ would appear in the videos often admonishing her or giving her cooking instructions. In 2022, Davis won a Streamy Award, which honors excellence in online video.
Passed Away at Age 67 After Battle with Cancer
Davis was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2019 and throat cancer in 2020. She underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments, but the cancer spread to her lungs and liver. She died on January 1, 2024, at a hospital in Red Bank, New Jersey, at the age of 67. She was the mother of four children and the grandmother of two.
Her Impact on the Culinary World
Playful and Creative Cooking Videos
Davisâ cooking videos were not only entertaining, but also playful and creative. She experimented with different ingredients, cuisines, and techniques, and showed her viewers how to make simple and delicious dishes. She also added humor and personality to her videos, making them fun and engaging. She often made mistakes or joked with her son, showing that cooking can be enjoyable and relaxing. She also encouraged her followers to try new things and learn from their mistakes.
Defying Traditional Career Path
Davisâ success as a TikTok chef was remarkable, considering her background and education. She graduated from MIT with a bachelorâs degree in civil engineering and received postgraduate degrees from Columbia University. She worked as an engineer in telecommunications at Bell Labs, now AT&T Labs. She defied the traditional career path and stereotypes of an engineer and a grandmother, and pursued her passion for cooking and sharing it with the world. She showed that it is never too late to follow your dreams and discover new talents.
Social Media Influence and Legacy
Davisâ influence and legacy extend beyond the culinary world. She was a role model and an inspiration for millions of people, especially young people, who admired her positivity, energy, and authenticity. She also used her platform to raise awareness and funds for various causes, such as cancer research, hunger relief, and animal welfare. She left behind a lasting impression and a huge fan base, who will continue to watch and enjoy her videos for years to come.
Remembering Lynn Yamada Davis
Tributes and Condolences from Fans and Family
Davisâ death sparked an outpouring of tributes and condolences from fans and family, who expressed their sadness and gratitude for her life and work. Her son, Tim Davis, posted a heartfelt video on TikTok, showing photos of his mother throughout her life and saying that she was âthe bestâ and “the internetâs grandma”. Her daughter, Hannah Mariko Shofet, wrote a touching obituary for her mother, describing her as âa force of natureâ and “a ray of sunshine”. Many fans and celebrities also shared their memories and messages of love and support for Davis and her family on social media.
Legacy of Inspiration and Joy
Davisâ legacy will live on through her videos, her recipes, and her spirit. She inspired and brought joy to millions of people with her cooking and her personality. She taught people how to cook, how to laugh, and how to live. She was a trailblazer, a leader, and a friend. She will be remembered as a legend, a queen, and a grandma.
Conclusion
Lynn Yamada Davis was a TikTok chef known for her comedic cooking videos, who died at age 67 after a battle with cancer. She was a popular and beloved chef and influencer, who had a huge impact on the culinary world and beyond. She was a playful and creative cook, who defied traditional career paths and stereotypes. She was a social media star, who used her influence and legacy for good causes. She was a mother, a grandmother, and a role model, who touched the lives of many people with her inspiration and joy. She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.
