Lynn Yamada Davis, the charismatic face behind Cooking with Lynja, has left a lasting imprint on the culinary and social media landscape. The beloved content creator, who gained widespread acclaim for her humor-infused cooking videos, passed away at the age of 67 on January 1 at Riverview Medical Center in New Jersey. Lynn’s daughter, Hannah Mariko Shofet, shared with The New York Times that her mother succumbed to esophageal cancer, a battle she bravely fought after being diagnosed with throat cancer in 2019.
Lynn Yamada Davis rose to fame during the Covid-19 pandemic with her entertaining and creatively edited cooking videos on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. The former software engineer’s journey into the world of social media started when her son, Tim, introduced her to TikTok, a platform she had no prior knowledge of.
Teaming up with her son, Tim, who played a pivotal role as the scriptwriter, videographer, and editor, Lynn’s Cooking with Lynja videos quickly gained popularity. The duo’s month-long project turned into a long-lasting collaboration, producing memorable and humorous culinary content. Notably, a quirky bacon, egg, and cheese recipe video catapulted Lynn to viral fame, leading to a surge in followers.
Lynn’s infectious personality and unique approach to cooking resonated with audiences worldwide. Currently, the Cooking with Lynja TikTok page boasts 17.5 million followers, her YouTube channel has nearly 10 million subscribers, and her Instagram account has amassed over two million followers, showcasing the widespread impact of her culinary creations.
Before her social media stardom, Lynn Yamada Davis had a distinguished career as an engineer. A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, she worked for the federal government, focusing on making federal buildings accessible. After earning her MBA and MPH at Columbia University, she contributed to AT&T Labs as a systems engineer and project manager during her 29-year tenure.
Shofet shared with The New York Times that her mother took immense pride in her role as a groundbreaking female engineer. Lynn’s achievements paved the way for future generations of women in the engineering field, leaving a lasting legacy beyond her culinary endeavors.
While fans affectionately requested her to be their grandmother, Lynn cherished the travel opportunities her internet fame brought. Collaborating with fellow food TikToker Nick DiGiovanni, she explored Japan and later attended Forbes’ Women’s Summit in the United Arab Emirates, where she received recognition as one of Forbes’ Top 50 over 50 Creators. Lynn also clinched a Streamy Award in both the editing and food categories in 2022.
Since Lynn’s passing, her social media accounts have remained active, honoring her wish for Tim to continue posting edited videos. The account will conclude after the last Cooking with Lynja videos featuring Lynn are shared, as per her wishes.
In a poignant reflection on her life as an influencer, Lynn expressed, “It’s a joy to wake up and know you’re going to have a good day. It is a lovely change in my life, definitely.” Lynn Yamada Davis leaves behind a legacy of joy, laughter, and culinary inspiration, forever remembered by her millions of fans worldwide.
