Anne Burrell, a beloved chef and television personality known for her vibrant energy and trademark spiky platinum hair, has died. The star, a fixture on the Food Network for years, passed away on Tuesday morning at her apartment in Brooklyn, New York.
News of Burrell’s unexpected passing at the age of 55 has sent shockwaves through the culinary community and among her many fans. Details surrounding the circumstances of her death are still emerging.
Police officers responded to a call regarding an “unconscious and unresponsive 55-year-old female” at the Brooklyn address around 7:50 a.m. EST on Tuesday. Emergency Medical Services, upon arrival, pronounced the female deceased at the scene.
While police did not immediately name Burrell in their initial statement, the address provided by authorities was confirmed to match that of the popular television chef. The investigation into her death is ongoing.
Burrell’s family confirmed her passing in an emotional statement released on Tuesday afternoon. The statement, obtained by People and provided by the Food Network, offered a glimpse into the profound loss felt by those closest to her.
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend—her smile lit up every room she entered,” her family shared. They added that “Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world,” and affirmed that “Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.
The Food Network also released a statement expressing their deep sadness. A network spokesperson described Burrell as “a remarkable person and culinary talent,” highlighting her dedication to “teaching, competing, and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring.” The network conveyed, “Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.”
A cause of death for Burrell was not immediately revealed. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is expected to conduct an autopsy to make the official determination.
Anne Burrell leaves behind her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married in October 2021 in her hometown of Cazenovia, New York. She is also survived by her son, Javier; her mother Marlene; and her sister Jane, as well as a nephew and two nieces.
Known for her engaging personality and distinct culinary style, Burrell developed a passion for cooking at a young age. She was inspired both by her mother’s home-cooked meals and by watching the iconic food personality Julia Child on television.
Burrell pursued her culinary dreams after earning a degree in English and Communications from Canisius College in Buffalo in 1991. She then enrolled at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, graduating in 1996.
Her culinary education continued abroad at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners. Following her studies there, she served an apprenticeship at La Bottega del ‘30, a Michelin-starred restaurant located in Umbria, Italy, further refining her skills.
Upon her return to New York City, Burrell honed her craft in the kitchens of various esteemed restaurants, including Felidia and Savoy in Soho, where she focused on Mediterranean cuisine. Her talent and charisma would soon lead her to a wider audience.
Burrell first gained national recognition when she transitioned to television, appearing as a sous chef on the Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” in 2005. She became a familiar face on the cooking challenge series, appearing for 10 seasons until 2013.
She later earned her own show, “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef,” which aired between 2008 and 2012. The series was popular for revealing accessible professional techniques that viewers could apply in their own kitchens and ran for nine seasons, earning two Emmy nominations in 2011.
Perhaps most famously, Burrell co-hosted “Worst Cooks in America,” a competition show that aimed to transform individuals with notoriously poor cooking skills into more competent home cooks. She starred on the series from 2010 to 2024, presiding over 28 seasons of the show, mentoring participants described as “culinary disasters.”
Her presence on the Food Network grew steadily, making her a staple of the channel. She hosted her namesake series “Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell” between 2012 and 2013 and frequently appeared as a judge on the popular competition show “Chopped” from 2011 to 2016.
Burrell also participated in other Food Network series, demonstrating her competitive spirit and culinary expertise. Her work with chef Bobby Flay included appearances as a captain on “BBQ Brawl: Flay V. Symon” from 2022 to 2023 and competing on “Chopped: Beat Bobby Flay” between 2014 and 2023. Most recently, she appeared on the competition series “House of Knives,” which premiered in March of this year.
Beyond the television screen, Burrell shared her passion for cooking through published works. She authored two cookbooks, “Cook Like a Rock Star” and “Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire & Empower,” further extending her reach to home cooks.
In a testament to her approach to cooking and life, Burrell shared her philosophy in an April interview with Tasting Table. She stated, “I truly in my heart feel that your food knows how you’re feeling when you cook it, and it reacts accordingly. I like to put happiness and joy into my food, and it’s not so serious.” Speaking about her role on *Worst Cooks*, she added, “I teach the worst cooks in the world. I mean, you got to know how to do that,” before concluding with her simple perspective: “It’s just dinner.”
Just four days before her passing, Burrell shared what would be her final post on Instagram, where she connected with her 673,000 followers. The post captured a moment of simple joy in her Brooklyn neighborhood.
She uploaded a selfie taken with Elizabeth Eaton Rosenthal, also known as the Green Lady of Carroll Gardens, an icon in Brooklyn known for her all-green attire and green hair. Burrell beamed in the photo next to Rosenthal.
In the caption accompanying the photo, Burrell recounted the encounter with genuine delight. “I ran into @greenladyofbrooklyn in my neighborhood today!!” she wrote. She candidly admitted, “I’m not going to lie—I have been keeping an eye out for her. I may or may not have followed her down the street for a minute. She is just lovely!!!”
She concluded the post with hashtags that reflected her gratitude and passion: #ilovewhatido and #luckygirl. This final public message provided a snapshot of her appreciating the small, lovely moments in life.
Tributes from colleagues and friends across the culinary and entertainment worlds have poured in following the news of her death, reflecting the impact she had on many. Gigi Hadid, the supermodel who appeared with Burrell on *Beat Bobby Flay* in 2023, was among those expressing heartbreak.
Hadid shared an Instagram Story tribute, including a photo of herself and Burrell from their time filming. “I am heartbroken to hear of the loss of the Great Anne Burrell,” Hadid wrote, adding that “as a longtime fan, getting to share this day with her was a dream come true. Beat Bobby. Hang. Eat. I wish we could have done it again. She was awesome. Rest in Peace, Legend.”
Sandra Lee, another Food Network star, shared heartfelt memories with Us Weekly and on Instagram. She described Burrell as “smart. She was sweet. She was funny. She was larger than life. She lived it completely, unabashedly and uniquely.”
Lee recalled their first meeting in Atlantic City, where Burrell “boldly approached me, introducing herself with her girl gang — she was so endearing, so so funny and delightful.” Lee concluded, “Anne was one of a kind. May she rest in glory — another culinary royalty in heaven guiding all of our recipes now. Love u always, Anne — Sandy!” She also referred to Burrell as “the next generation of light in the culinary Food Network world,” remembering her “quick wit, sassy drive, determined nature, and magical laughter.”
Chef Robert Irvine, who co-hosted *Worst Cooks in America* with Burrell, described his late friend as a “radiant spirit.” He said he was “stunned and deeply saddened by the news” of her passing.
Irvine reminisced about their dynamic on *Worst Cooks*, noting their “friendly rivalry was fueled by mutual respect: I’d risk bleaching my hair; she’d risk losing hers. An epic wager that epitomized her unbeatable spirit.” He added, “It was a wager I ultimately lost, but I couldn’t imagine losing to a more fierce competitor.”
Beyond their on-screen competition, Irvine spoke of Burrell as a “generous and supportive colleague and an even better friend.” He highlighted her “unwavering dedication, not just to food, but to lifting others up,” explaining that “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.”
Chef Michael Symon paid tribute, calling Burrell “a cook’s cook who was as competitive as anyone I knew.” He fondly remembered, “Your love for teaching & zaniness was unmatched,” and sent “much love to your family.” Symon added a personal touch, saying he hoped she was “in a happy place where socks don’t match, highlighters are plentiful & Rangers hockey is on 24/7.”
Chef Ming Tsai, who worked with Burrell at Food Network and appeared on *The Next Iron Chef*, simply called the news “so sad,” adding, “We love a good one here…”. Chef Carla Hall, known from *Top Chef*, referred to Burrell as an “incredible cook and teacher.”
Mark Long, a star from *The Challenge: All Stars*, recalled his experience being paired with Burrell on a celebrity edition of *Worst Cooks in America*. He commented that “Chef Anne was my coach on Celebrity Worst Cooks. She made the experience so great for all of us. This is such tragic news, and my heart goes out to the family.”
Carson Kressley, the *Queer Eye for the Straight Guy* star, revealed that he was a close friend of Burrell’s and had spoken to her just days before her death. Kressley shared a poignant photo of them together on his Instagram page.
In his tribute, Kressley wrote, “Rest easy, Chef Anne. I’m so blessed I was able to work with you, learn from you, laugh with you.” He cherished “So many memories—on screen and off” and particularly treasured the photo he shared, describing it as them “living our best lives, as the kids say.”
Kressley painted a picture of the moment captured in the photo: “It’s one of my favorite memories – just swimming in the ocean after a great lunch. Good food, good friends and lots of love and laughter all around.” He concluded his message to his friend, “That’s what I wish for you where you are now. I’ll see you again someday, dear friend.” Kressley noted that “Anne loved this photo of us, so I know she’d be happy I chose this one.”
Cake Boss star Buddy Valastro also paid tribute, praising Burrell’s infectious enthusiasm. He wrote, “Anne, your passion, energy, and love for food lit up every kitchen. You were a true force and a beautiful soul. Rest in peace, Chef. We’ll miss you dearly.”
Wells Adams, who appeared on season 19 of *Worst Cooks in America* with Burrell, also used Instagram to pay his respects, adding to the chorus of tributes from those whose lives she touched.
Andrew Zimmern, who knew Burrell for over 20 years and considered her a friend, noted that he had just recently been with her weeks ago, “cooking in Puerto Rico.” He extended his “deepest love” to her family, friends, and fans.
Zimmern urged that “at this time I think we need to focus on sharing our love and admiration for all the good things she represented and all the joy she brought to the lives of so many.” He expressed hope that “as time passes we will learn more about this senseless tragedy.”
Anne Burrell’s impact extended beyond teaching cooking; she inspired joy and confidence in kitchens around the world, leaving an indelible mark on the culinary landscape and the hearts of those who watched her, worked with her, and loved her. While the circumstances of her sudden passing remain under investigation, her legacy of warmth, passion, and empowering others through food will undoubtedly endure.
