Lynn Yamada Davis, a beloved social media star and creator of the popular “Cooking with Lynja” series, passed away on January 1, 2024, at the age of 67. Lynn, affectionately known as “The Internet’s Grandma,” brought joy and laughter to millions of viewers with her zany cooking tutorials on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Her unique style and infectious personality made her a household name in the world of online cooking, and her passing leaves a void in the hearts of her fans.
Lynn Yamada Davis was born on July 31, 1956, in New York City. She grew up in Fort Lee, New Jersey, where she lived most of her early life. Lynn’s father, Tadao Yamada, was a businessman, and her mother, Mabel Fujisake Yamada, ran the household. Lynn had a passion for cooking from an early age, and her love for food would eventually lead her to her online success.
After graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Lynn embarked on a successful career in telecommunications. She worked for Bell Labs (now AT&T Labs) as a systems engineer and project manager for 29 years. Lynn was a trailblazer in her field, proud to be a groundbreaking female engineer.
Lynn’s journey as a social media star began in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her youngest son, Tim Davis, a freelance videographer, approached her with the idea of creating cooking videos to keep his cinematography skills sharp during the lockdown. Little did they know that these videos would become a sensation.
Together, Lynn and Tim started the “Cooking with Lynja” YouTube channel. Lynn’s unique and humorous approach to cooking, combined with Tim’s editing skills, quickly caught the attention of viewers. The channel grew rapidly, amassing nearly 10 million subscribers and becoming a go-to destination for mouth-watering recipes and comedic entertainment.
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As Lynn’s popularity soared on YouTube, she expanded her presence to other social media platforms, including TikTok and Instagram. Her infectious energy and comedic timing resonated with viewers of all ages, especially the younger generation. Lynn’s TikTok account, @cookingwithlynja, quickly gained over 17 million followers, solidifying her status as a social media icon.
Lynn’s TikTok videos were known for their over-the-top edits, quick cuts, and quirky humor. She delighted her followers with her takes on trending foods and her unique spin on classic recipes. From bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches to crispy potatoes, Lynn’s videos showcased her culinary expertise and playful personality.
Lynn’s online success transcended borders and reached audiences around the world. She traveled to Japan and Italy, sharing her love for food and culture with her followers. Lynn’s collaborations with other food content creators, such as Nick DiGiovanni, resulted in several Guinness World Records, including the world’s largest cake pop and sushi roll.
In recognition of her influence and creativity, Lynn was featured on Forbes’ “Top 50 over 50” list in 2022. She also won Streamy Awards for Best Food Creator and Best Editing. Lynn’s impact on the online community was undeniable, and she became a role model for aspiring content creators of all ages.
Lynn’s journey was not without its challenges. In 2019, she was diagnosed with throat cancer, which affected her voice. Despite the diagnosis, Lynn remained positive and continued to create content for her devoted fans. She shared her experience with cancer openly, using her platform to spread awareness and encourage others to prioritize their health.
In 2021, Lynn faced another setback when she was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. However, she completed treatment and remained committed to her passion for cooking and entertaining. Lynn’s resilience in the face of adversity inspired her followers and showcased her unwavering spirit.
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“Cooking with Lynja” was more than just a cooking channel; it was a family affair. Lynn’s children, Hannah, Tim, Becky, and Sean, played instrumental roles behind the scenes, supporting their mother’s creative endeavors. Lynn cherished the time spent with her family, creating lasting memories and building strong bonds.
Tim, Lynn’s videographer and partner in crime, continued to honor his mother’s legacy after her passing. In accordance with Lynn’s wishes, he continued to post edited videos on her social media accounts. Once all the remaining content featuring Lynn is shared, the accounts will no longer be active, bringing an end to the era of “Cooking with Lynja.”
