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Kyle Timpson becomes first out gay man to win Hell's Kitchen
Kyle Timpson on 'Hell's Kitchen' season 23.
"Who needs moisturizer when you have tears of joy?" says the New Jersey native.
Hell's Kitchen just made history for LGBTQ+ representation in reality TV, crowning Kyle Timpson as the series' first-ever gay male winner.
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Timpson competed in the 23rd season of the long-running Fox culinary competition, which featured 18 contestants, all of whom held head or executive chef titles. Impressing host Gordon Ramsay is no easy feat, but Kyle Timpson navigated the high-stakes competition with skill, charm, and, of course, exceptional dishes.
The finale came down to Timpson, an executive chef, and Hannah Flora, a country club executive chef, both vying for the coveted title. In a nail-biting final moment, the two stood with their hands on the door to Ramsay's office, waiting to see who would secure the show's grand prize — becoming the head chef at Hell's Kitchen Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut, where this season was filmed.
Ultimately, Timpson secured the victory and made LGBTQ+ history (although he has not accepted the job offer yet, reports Philly Voice). During his emotional victory speech, he was overwhelmed by the deafening cheers from fans, with his mother and aunt joining the crowd in passionately chanting his name.
"I knew I would do well, but I didn’t know I would win," he exclaimed. "I’m so happy my mom gets to see me accomplish this. Who needs moisturizer when you have tears of joy?"
Hailing from Dennis, New Jersey, Timpson honed his craft at the Academy of Culinary Arts at Atlantic Cape Community College. His career began in seasonal restaurants along the southern Jersey shore before he moved to Philadelphia in 2021 to further his culinary journey.
Timpson has earned numerous accolades for both his food and presentation. He has worked as a sous chef at Beach Plum Farm in New Jersey and, most recently, served as the Chef de Cuisine at Fearless Restaurants — a collection of dining establishments in the Philadelphia area and on Long Beach Island, New Jersey.
Watch Kyle Timpson winning Hell's Kitchen season 23 below.
Ty Cole is an LA-based reporter and commentator for Out, specializing in pop culture, music, and lifestyle. His work includes in-depth movie and music reviews, sharp pop culture commentary, and exclusive interviews — known for asking celebrities the thought-provoking questions others often overlook.
Ty Cole is an LA-based reporter and commentator for Out, specializing in pop culture, music, and lifestyle. His work includes in-depth movie and music reviews, sharp pop culture commentary, and exclusive interviews — known for asking celebrities the thought-provoking questions others often overlook.
