Carla Hall—yes, that warm, vibrant Carla Hall we all came to love—has always brought something special to the table, quite literally and figuratively. With her radiant smile and heartfelt approach to cooking, Carla Hall quickly became a standout presence in the world of food television. Though she didn’t take home the top prize on “Top Chef,” which first introduced her to national audiences during its fifth season in 2008, Carla Hall’s authenticity and joyful spirit made her an instant fan favorite. Her belief in “cooking with love” wasn’t just a slogan—it was a philosophy that resonated deeply with viewers tired of cutthroat kitchen drama. Instead of cold precision or fiery temper tantrums, Carla Hall offered warmth, sincerity, and food that felt like a hug.
It’s no surprise then that when ABC launched “The Chew” in 2011, Carla Hall was tapped as one of the show’s five co-hosts. Over the next seven years, she charmed audiences week after week, blending Southern comfort food with personal stories and infectious enthusiasm. And let’s be honest—Carla Hall wasn’t just holding her own; she was elevating the whole show with her down-to-earth charm and culinary know-how. Even during her second run on “Top Chef: All-Stars,” where she placed fifth, fans rallied behind her, voting her “Fan Favorite”—a testament to how deeply Carla Hall had connected with people beyond just her recipes.
Before the cameras and the co-hosting gigs, though, Carla Hall’s journey took some unexpected turns. Born on May 12, 1964, in Nashville, Tennessee, she started out on a completely different path—earning a business degree from Howard University and becoming a certified public accountant. For a while, Carla Hall worked at Price Waterhouse, but by 1988, she traded spreadsheets for runways, moving to Europe to model. It was there that her passion for food truly blossomed, inspired by the rich flavors and artistry of Continental cuisine. When she returned to the U.S., Carla Hall launched The Lunch Bunch, a catering delivery service, and later trained at L’Academie de Cuisine to sharpen her skills.
From there, Carla Hall built a solid reputation in Washington, D.C.’s culinary scene, serving as sous chef and executive chef at several high-profile venues before launching Alchemy By Carla in 2001—a boutique brand known for its artisan cookies. But it was her time on “Top Chef” that catapulted her into the spotlight, leading to her cookbook debut in 2012: Cooking With Love: Comfort Food That Hugs You, a title that perfectly captures Carla Hall’s entire ethos.
Not every chapter has been smooth sailing. Carla Hall’s Southern Kitchen, her Brooklyn-based restaurant, opened in June 2016 but closed less than a year and a half later in August 2017. Still, setbacks haven’t dimmed her light. During the run of “The Chew,” Carla Hall even stepped into the world of theater, making a guest appearance as a dancer in Broadway’s “The Lion King”—a feat made more impressive considering she’d seriously injured her ankle during rehearsals. And in a delightful twist, she popped up on the long-running soap opera “General Hospital” in May 2018, proving that Carla Hall’s appeal stretches far beyond the kitchen.
Through every twist and turn, Carla Hall has remained true to herself—kind, passionate, and full of heart. And honestly, isn’t that exactly what makes her so unforgettable?
When it comes to Carla Hall’s most celebrated work in film or music, fans and critics alike often point to her highest rated movie or project as a standout moment in her career. Carla Hall has made quite an impression over the years, and while she’s known for more than just entertainment—think cooking and television—her appearances in various media have certainly drawn attention. Among all her roles and performances, Carla Hall’s highest rated film or musical contribution shines brightly, showcasing her talent and charm. On the flip side, every artist has a piece that doesn’t quite resonate as strongly, and Carla Hall’s lowest rated movie or music venture reflects that natural ebb and flow of creative output. Still, whether topping the charts or learning from less successful efforts, Carla Hall continues to inspire with authenticity and grace. Carla Hall truly brings something special to every project she touches.