There’s something undeniably magnetic about Carla Hall. Her bubbly personality, her heartwarming approach to cooking with love, and her signature catchphrase, “hootie hoo,” turned the Nashville-born chef into a household name during her time on Top Chef back in 2008. Since then, she’s taken her unexpected fame and turned it into a thriving career that’s nothing short of inspiring. At 57, Carla isn’t just resting on her laurels—she’s still chasing dreams and making waves.
A Career Built on "Yes" and Adventure
After spending seven unforgettable seasons as a panelist on The Chew, Carla earned herself a Daytime Emmy Award. That’s right—she’s got hardware to prove her culinary greatness. But her resume doesn’t stop there. She’s authored a cookbook, played herself on the hit series Gossip Girl, and even judged and hosted multiple cooking competition shows. Sure, there have been bumps in the road—like the unfortunate closure of her Brooklyn restaurant, Carla Hall’s Southern Kitchen, in 2017—but if there’s one thing Carla knows, it’s how to keep moving forward. “I’m all about saying yes,” she told Closer. “And that philosophy has taken me places I never imagined.”
And guess what? Carla’s not done yet! She’s currently gearing up for a new TV series while celebrating the release of her first children’s book, Carla and the Christmas Cornbread, which hit shelves on November 1. If that’s not a reason to shout “hootie hoo,” I don’t know what is!
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Why Did Carla Decide to Write a Children’s Book?
“I’m part of an organization called the Pajama Program, where we read books to kids. It made me realize how much joy stories can bring to young minds. I thought, why not create one myself? I drew inspiration from my childhood memories of visiting my grandmother’s house for Sunday supper. Those moments of family connection and comfort are what I wanted to capture in my book.”
The Accidental Accountant Who Found Her Calling
Believe it or not, Carla didn’t start out as a chef. In fact, she initially pursued a career in accounting because, well, she liked her high school accounting teacher. “It seemed like a solid choice at the time,” she jokes. After working for Price Waterhouse for a couple of years, Carla realized the corporate world wasn’t for her. “It was so stressful, and I was miserable. That’s when I knew I needed to find something else.”
How Modeling Led to Cooking
During her time in Tampa, Florida, Carla dabbled in modeling as a way to meet people in a new city. But her modeling stint in Europe became the catalyst for her culinary journey. “I started attending a Sunday brunch hosted by a woman from Memphis. We’d all talk about the foods our moms used to make, and I realized I didn’t know how to cook any of it,” she recalls. “So I started buying cookbooks and experimenting with recipes. Eventually, I decided to enroll in culinary school at the age of 30. Best decision I ever made.”
From Reality Show Contestant to TV Star
Carla’s journey to Top Chef sounds like something out of a movie. “My sous-chef had a dream that I’d be on Top Chef, and later that night, I got a voicemail about auditioning for the show. I thought it was a prank, but I called them back anyway. Everything about my Top Chef experience was completely serendipitous.”
The show changed Carla’s life in ways she couldn’t have predicted. “It taught me to embrace discomfort. There was a point during ‘Restaurant Wars’ when I thought I was going home. I was so anxious, but then I reminded myself, ‘What’s the worst that could happen? No one dies on this show.’ Once I let go of the fear, everything clicked. I started cooking with more freedom and authenticity.”
Life on the Food Network
These days, Carla’s a regular on the Food Network, where she’s been a judge and host for shows like Halloween Baking Championship. “It’s amazing to have these recurring gigs. We’re on season 7 or 8 now, and it feels like being part of a big, warm family. It’s such a joy to reunite with my friends every year.”
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Of course, tasting countless delicious treats comes with its challenges. “I’ll eat anything, even if it doesn’t look appetizing,” Carla admits. “To keep in shape, I work out five days a week. Discipline is key!”
What’s Next for Carla Hall?
Carla’s latest project is a show called Foodways, which combines travel, discovery, and food. “It’s all about exploring different cultures through their cuisines. I’m thrilled because this time, I’m not just the talent—I’m also the storymaker and an executive producer. It’s my first time producing a show, and it’s incredibly exciting.”
Love and Laughter: Carla’s Secret to a Happy Marriage
Carla’s been happily married to her husband, Matthew Lyons, for 15 years. So, what’s the secret to their enduring partnership? “Communication is huge,” she says. “Matthew is my rock. We also know how to laugh together. Whether we’re laughing at ourselves or each other, humor is a big part of why our marriage works so well.”
Being a Stepmom: A Rewarding Role
When Carla married Matthew in 2006, she became a stepmom to his son, Noah. “Noah is incredible. When I met him, he was 10 years old. On our wedding day, I wrote him a note saying, ‘You already have two amazing parents, so you don’t need another parent. But I’ll be your mentor and your friend. I’ll let you fall and laugh when you do, but I’ll always be there to pick you up. And I’ll never let you win at games because real victories matter.’ We’ve built a wonderful relationship, and I couldn’t be prouder of the young man he’s become.”
Dreams for the Future
Carla’s not done dreaming big. “I want to break into scripted television,” she says. “I see so many actors doing cookbooks and TV shows, and I think, ‘Why can’t I go the other way? Why can’t I transition from food to acting?’”
As for her dream role? “Oh, I’d love to be in a play like Auntie Mame. I adore both versions of the movie—with Rosalind Russell and Lucille Ball. If Billy Porter played Auntie Mame, I’d be thrilled to have any role in that production. Let’s make it happen!”
