MasterChef Junior, a fun spin-off of MasterChef, first debuted in the U.S. in 2013, offering
young, aspiring chefs the chance to showcase their skills on national TV.
It can be a humbling experience, watching a 13-year-old dominate the kitchen, and while
the show offers this awe-inspiring talent, it has also introduced viewers to some remarkable
young humans, most notably Ben Watkins. Ben joined MasterChef Junior in Season 6 in 2018,
and he was only 11 years old when he became a fan-favorite.
Shortly after he turned 13, Ben was diagnosed with angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma, a rare
soft tissue tumor. In fact, the illness is so rare that Ben was only one of six people
in the world to be diagnosed with it, as TMZ reported.
Ben passed away on November 16th, 2020 at age 14 while staying at the Lurie Children's
Hospital of Chicago. Ben is greatly missed by his family and the community that cheered
him on during his time on MasterChef Junior. Here's everything to know about this remarkable
young man.
Ben Watkins learned to cook at his father's restaurant, Big Ben's Bodacious Barbecue & Deli,
and he aspired to one day open a restaurant of his own. Ben's father, Michael Watkins,
named the restaurant after his son.
Ben's father, and his mother Leila Edwards, moved to Gary, Indiana, in 2001 after
leaving Chicago to get away from potential dangers in a big city. Ben worked for his
father at his restaurant, running the register, taking orders, and even selling his own baking.
Ben listed off his favorite things to bake to the Tribune, saying:
"Cookies, brownies, cinnamon rolls, banana bread, lots of other stuff.”
Leila Edwards was a stained glass artist and jewelry maker. Ben said of his mother,
"My mom taught me everything she knew. Or I just picked it up by watching her."
On September 16th, 2017, when Ben was just 11, his father killed his mother and then
killed himself. Police ruled the incident a murder-suicide, per the Tribune. Afterward,
Ben was raised by his maternal grandmother and uncle, Donna Edwards and Anthony Edwards.
It was following this tragedy that Ben joined MasterChef Junior and audiences were even
more amazed by Ben's kindness and ability after learning about his traumatic loss. Even
after his death, it was Ben's kindness that people remembered most.
Ben Watkins appeared on MasterChef Junior at age 11. During the premiere episode, he
came out victorious with a white apron after wowing the judges with his peach cobbler,
served with whipped cream and caramel sauce.
Ben made it to the top 18 of the show before being sent home, but he made a mark on audiences.
On the MasterChef Junior Instagram account, Ben was commemorated with the following caption:
"Ben overcame so much in his life with a remarkably positive attitude. He was a tremendous role
model for chefs of all ages and will be dearly missed."
On GoFundMe, a page was set up for Ben called #Love4Ben Memorial Fund, which has a statement
from his maternal grandmother, Donna Edwards, and uncle, Anthony Edwards. It read,
"Our Ben went home to be with his mother this afternoon after a year-and-a-half-long battle
with Cancer. After losing both of his parents in September 2017, we have marveled at Ben's
strength, courage and love for life. He never, ever complained."
The family also shared that Ben was, quote, "so heartened" by the outpouring of love he
received after news broke of his cancer diagnosis. Ben was clearly loved by so many people, but
celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay was especially vocal about his grief after Ben's passing.
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, who was the host of MasterChef Junior, shared his grief
on Instagram after news broke that Ben Watkins had passed away.
On November 17th, 2020, Ramsay wrote:
"Ben you were an incredibly talented home cook and even stronger young man. Your young
life had so many tough turns but you always persevered. I adored our time cooking and
laughing together on set. Heartbroken today losing my little mate, sending all my love
to Ben Watkins' family with this terrible loss."
His comments were flooded with love from the MasterChef community. MasterChef Junior winner
Logan Guleff wrote:
"Oh Man, so so tragic! Retire that apron!"
Celebrity chef Andre Rush commented:
"This hurt to see and read... cook easy up there my young friend, and all blessings to
his family."
The entire MasterChef Junior community had previously made a video for Ben, released
on August 18th, 2020, offering support as Ben fought cancer, and the group consensus
was obvious and clear: everyone loved Ben.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.