Beloved Food Network star Anne Burrell, known for her bold cooking style, platinum-blonde hair and signature laugh, has died at the age of 55. The celebrity chef was found unresponsive at her Brooklyn home on the morning of Tuesday, 17 June. Emergency services responded to a call at 7:50am but were unable to revive her. A cause of death has not yet been confirmed, although it’s believed she suffered cardiac arrest.
Her family released a heartfelt statement shortly after her passing: “Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered. Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world. Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.”
She is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, his son Javier, her mother Marlene, sister Jane, brother Ben and her children Isabella, Amelia and Nicolas.
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A household name in American food TV
Anne Burrell rose to fame as the no-nonsense mentor on Worst Cooks in America, where she transformed culinary catastrophes into confident home cooks. Her television career spanned more than two decades and included shows like Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, Chef Wanted, Iron Chef America, Chopped, and the recently premiered House of Knives.
Her fearless energy and unapologetic approach to cooking made her a fan favourite. Viewers were drawn to her larger-than-life personality, unwavering confidence and infectious enthusiasm. Off-screen, she was just as magnetic — warm, funny, and fiercely loyal to those she loved.
From small-town New York to culinary stardom
Born in Cazenovia, New York on 21 September 1969, Burrell discovered her love for food in her mother’s kitchen. Inspired by Julia Child, she pursued a career in the culinary arts after completing a degree in English and Communications at Canisius College in Buffalo.
She trained at the Culinary Institute of America, graduating in 1996, and later studied at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners, where she deepened her love for Italian cuisine. On returning to New York, she worked under legendary chefs like Lidia Bastianich at Felidia and honed her craft at Savoy in Soho.
Before fame found her, Burrell spent time teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education in Manhattan. It was there that her passion for mentorship began, long before she’d teach amateur cooks on national television.
More than a TV chef
Away from the cameras, Burrell was also a bestselling author and philanthropist. Her debut cookbook Cook Like a Rock Star landed her on the New York Times bestseller list in 2011. Her follow-up, Own Your Kitchen, was packed with recipes designed to empower home cooks and encourage confidence in the kitchen.
Burrell was an active advocate for hunger relief and children’s health. She served on the advisory board for the Garden of Dreams Foundation, supported the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and was a long-time member of City Harvest’s Food Council.
She often said, “I feel so lucky to be able to share my true passion in life with others.” And she meant it. Whether she was leading a cooking class or hosting a televised cook-off, her goal was always the same — to lift others up and help them find joy in food.
A heartbreaking final post
Instagram | @chefanneburrell
Just four days before her death, Burrell shared a cheerful Instagram selfie with a local Brooklyn figure known as The Green Lady. In the caption, she wrote, “I ran into @greenladyofbrooklyn in my neighbourhood today!! I may or may not have followed her down the street for a minute. She is just lovely!!!” She ended the post with the hashtags #ilovewhatido and #luckygirl.
The image, which has since been flooded with comments from devastated fans, now feels like a poignant farewell — a reminder of her humour, playfulness and love for the city she called home.
Tributes from friends, fans and food stars
Since the news of her death broke, tributes have poured in from across the food world and beyond.
Gigi Hadid, who appeared alongside Burrell on Beat Bobby Flay, wrote: “I am heartbroken to hear of the loss of the great Anne Burrell. As a longtime fan, getting to share this day with her was a dream come true… She was awesome. Rest in peace, legend.”
Fellow Food Network star Sandra Lee remembered their first meeting in a casino in Atlantic City, calling Burrell “smart, sweet, funny… and larger than life.” She added: “May she rest in glory — another culinary royalty in heaven guiding all of our recipes now.”
Robert Irvine described her as a “radiant spirit” and reflected on their friendly rivalry on Worst Cooks in America: “She believed in nurturing culinary potential and celebrating small victories, whether in an amateur cook or at a charity fundraiser. That was Anne — uncompromising in her standards, yet tender in her mentorship.”
Carson Kressley, who spoke to Burrell just days before her passing, shared a photo of them at the beach and wrote: “Good food, good friends, and lots of love and laughter all around. That’s what I wish for you where you are now.”
Buddy Valastro, Carla Hall, Mark Long, Ming Tsai and countless others also expressed their grief, calling her “a force,” “a teacher,” and “an unforgettable soul.”
Her legacy lives on
Anne Burrell was much more than a celebrity chef. She was a teacher, a mentor, a friend, and a fearless woman who carved out her place in a male-dominated industry and never dimmed her light. Her boldness inspired others to embrace who they are — quirks, confidence and all.
In her own words: “You have to own your kitchen. If you don’t, the kitchen is going to own you.”
She did just that. And now, as the culinary world mourns, it also celebrates the life of a woman who never stopped sharing her joy.
Rest in peace, Chef Anne. The stove will always burn a little brighter because of you.
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Featured Image: Getty
