Some of the talented cooks to have competed on Top Chef since its inception in 2006 have become hugely popular. Both their restaurants and their social media profiles have become bigger deals since they became fan favorites on the competition show. Those chefs from the series are each unique in their own way and develop a deep connection with the viewers.
These chefs show that they are strong contestants, while also keeping their cool and being kind to the other competitors on the show. The chefs that are chosen as fan favorites have extremely likable personalities, and their zodiac signs may have a lot to do with the connection they build with the viewers.
Kevin Gillespie/Libra
In season 6 of Top Chef, Kevin Gillespie competed against powerhouse chefs Michael Voltaggio and Bryan Voltaggio in order to claim the runner-up title of the season. Gillespie also competed in the 2020 Top Chef All-Stars season but was eliminated. Gillespie was a talented chef and was open with the judges and other competitors about his battle with cancer.
Gillespie is a Libra and this is prominent in the way that he carries himself throughout the competition. Libras are known to be fair-minded and cooperative, which is shown when Gillespie works with his competitors in team challenges. Libras are also known to keep the peace and chase justice, which Gillespie showcased when he took ownership of his failed performance in restaurant wars and ultimately was eliminated in order to save his other competitors.
Casey Thompson/Aquarius
Casey Thompson first competed in season 3 where she claimed the runner-up title behind Hung Huynh. She was bold, independent, and developed an instant connection with fans throughout the season. Thompson also competed in season 8 where she was eliminated in episode 5.
Thompson is an Aquarius, which directly relates to her energetic personality. Aquarius' are able to adapt to their surroundings quickly, which Thompson showcased in both of her seasons. Aquarius' also make friends easily, which Thompson also did, helping to further solidify her fan-favorite status.
Sam Talbot/Capricorn
Sam Talbot was another fan-favorite from Top Chef that competed early on in the show's history. In season 2, Talbot went head-to-head fiercely against his competitors but was eliminated before the finale. Talbot also returned in season 14 but was eliminated early in the competition.
Talbot is a Capricorn and embraced his zodiac sign by being disciplined throughout his time on the series. Talbot was also a traditional chef that was very independent of the other competitors. Capricorns also are very self-disciplined and professional, which fans immediately noticed in Talbot's personality.
Fabio Viviani/Libra
Fans were instantly enamored with Fabio Viviani when he first competed in season 5. Viviani was hilarious, outspoken, and friendly with his other competitors. He received fourth place in season 5 and also competed on Top Chef: All-Stars, where he was eliminated in episode 8.
As a Libra, Viviani was a social butterfly with the other competitors and he also was very cooperative in team challenges. Viviani also exhibited some indecisiveness, which Libras are also notorious for. Libras also tend to avoid conflict, which Viviani also embodied during his time in the competition.
Kelsey Barnard Clark/Taurus
Kelsey Barnard Clark competed on season 16 of Top Chef and showcased her Southern roots through her cooking. Clark was soft-spoken but confident during her season and opened up about her difficulties at leaving her baby to compete on the show. However, Clark used this to help her ultimately win the competition and be voted fan-favorite.
As a Taurus, Clark showcased her devoted attitude early on in the competition. Taurus' are also patient and practical, which Clark exhibited throughout her time on the show. Taurus' also endure difficult times and stick to their decisions, and Clark showed this trait by staying consistent in the competition and ultimately winning.
Stephanie Izard/Scorpio
In season 4, Stephanie Izard dominated her other competitors on Top Chef. Izard was an elite competitor that showed off her skill while also staying professional and poised during her season. She went on to become the winner of season 4, the first female Top Chef champion, and the first winner to also be given the fan-favorite title.
Scorpios are among the most passionate zodiac signs, which is extremely prominent in Izard. Scorpios are also assertive and determined to succeed, which Izard also portrayed during her season. Izard also showcased that she is fearless in the face of a challenge, which is another positive Scorpio trait.
Carla Hall/Taurus
Carla Hall first competed in season 5, where she instantly won the hearts of fans by being compassionate and fierce. She was resourceful but was unable to beat out Hosea Rosenberg for the Top Chef title. Hall also competed in Top Chef: All-Stars, where she placed fifth in the overall competition.
Hall is a Taurus and this is prominent in her well-grounded personality. Hall also exhibited practicality and devotion to the competition and her success, which is another prominent trait that all Taurus signs share.
Sheldon Simeon/Cancer
Sheldon Simeon was another instant fan favorite when he first competed in season 10. He was laid back, passionate, and easily made friends with the other competitors on the show. He was ultimately eliminated just before the finale but went on to compete in the Top Chef kitchen again in season 14. He was once again eliminated before the finale but was named fan favorite each time.
Simeon's personality definitely showcases Cancer traits. Cancers typically care deeply for their family, which Simeon proudly displayed in both seasons. Cancers also are very loyal and can easily empathize with people around them. Simeon was someone that blended easily with his competitors on both seasons and everyone identified with him on the seasons he competed in.
Melissa King/Libra
Melissa King was another fierce competitor on Top Chef. She was calm, quiet, and level-headed but was able to display her talents in the kitchen proudly. King first competed in season 12, where she placed as a finalist. King went on to compete again on Top Chef: All-Stars L.A. where she was able to secure the win while also being voted fan-favorite.
King is a Libra and showcases multiple aspects of a Libra in the way she competes. They are gracious and gentle, which is a big factor of King's personality. Libras also avoid conflict and do what they can to keep the peace, another big trait of King's.
Fatima Ali/Aries
Fatima Ali made her appearance in season 15 and instantly developed a close connection with the viewers. She was confident and stayed true to her Pakistani roots through her cooking. Ali's competitive nature and her enduring spirit won her the title of fan-favorite of the season. Ali tragically passed away in 2019 after a difficult battle with cancer, but she still holds a loving place in fans' hearts.
Ali is an Aries, which explains her fiery personality. Aries are confident, honest, and passionate, which are all traits that Alit displayed during her time on the show. Ali also showcased her energetic side often throughout the competition, which is another strong trait of Aries' signs.