Rolling in Dough: How Buddy the Cake Boss Built His Bakery Empire
Taking over Carlo's Bakery at age 17, Buddy Valastro wondered how he could put his small family-owned bakery on the map,
While working the wedding cake circuit with media savvy and gorgeous fondant, Buddy pitched a TV show that was snatched up by TLC. Enter: the global TV show sensation, 'Cake Boss.'
Buddy Valastro talks to Liz about the challenges of taking over his family bakery so young, how the Cake Boss was first shot down by the Food Network before becoming a hit show on TLC, and why fans say his show became a beloved source of laughs and inspiration.
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Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Inside Anne Burrell's Final Performance One Day Before Her Death
Originally appeared on E! Online Anne Burrell shared her infectious energy the night before her passing. The Food Network star—who died at her Brooklyn Home June 17—performed in an improv show at Second City the night of June 16, the Brooklyn comedy venue confirmed. "We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and student, Anne Burrell," Second City said in a statement posted to Instagram along with a selfie of Burrell at the venue. "She will be missed and remembered as a vibrant part of our Second City New York Training Center community." "Anne brought joy, boldness, and an unwavering 'yes, and' spirit," the statement continued. "Her enthusiasm was contagious, her presence unforgettable. Our thoughts go out to Anne's family and loved ones." Details on the Worst Cooks in America host's final performance come after the New York Police Department shed some light on how Burrell's body was discovered the following morning. In a statement shared with NBC News, the NYPD confirmed they were called to an address in Brooklyn—one that matches Burrell's personal information—shortly before 8:00 a.m. over a report about 'an unconscious and unresponsive 55-year-old female." More from E! Online Third Summer House Star Announces Exit After Season 9 Karen Read Breaks Silence After Not Guilty Verdict Taylor Swift Sets Record Straight on Travis Kelce Relationship Status Emergency medical services responded, per the statement, and 'pronounced her dead at the scene.' According to the outlet, Burrell's cause of death is still pending an autopsy with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Burrell's passing was initially announced by her family, who called her "a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend." "Her smile lit up every room she entered,' they said in a statement shared with E!. '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.' "Anne was an incredible cook & teacher," Top Chef alum Carla Hall wrote. "FIERCE! She will be missed." East Meets West's Ming Tsai remarked, "This is so so so sad. We lost a good one here,' while Food Network Star contestant Chris Valdes added, "Heartbroken by the loss of Chef Anne Burrell. A true culinary force—bold, passionate, and unforgettable. Her fire, laughter, and love for food inspired so many." "Anne was an incredible cook & teacher," Top Chef alum Carla Hall wrote. "FIERCE! She will be missed." East Meets West's Ming Tsai remarked, "This is so so so sad. We lost a good one here,' while Food Network Star contestant Chris Valdes added, "Heartbroken by the loss of Chef Anne Burrell. A true culinary force—bold, passionate, and unforgettable. Her fire, laughter, and love for food inspired so many." Keep reading for more on Burrell's life... (E! and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal family.) 2007200820092010201020112012201320142015201620172018201920212022202320242025
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Here's How Food Network Stars And Other Celebrities Reacted To Anne Burrell's Death
On Tuesday, the world was devastated to learn that beloved Food Network star Anne Burrell had died at age 55. While her cause of death is unknown, it's believed she suffered a cardiac event, just hours after returning home from an improv show. Soon after the news of her death broke, several celebrities took to the internet to mourn her loss. Rachael Ray said she and her husband, John Cusimano, were devastated. "The news about Anne has truly shaken us," she wrote alongside a series of photos with Anne, including at her 2021 wedding to executive Stuart Claxton, where Rachael served as a bridesmaid. "I can't quite believe it — such a strong, vibrant, fearless woman, so full of life and love, could be gone so soon." Chopped's Scott Conant wrote that he was "deeply affected" by Anne's death: "Anne and I shared a long, vibrant journey through the world of Italian restaurants in the '90s and 2000s. We were friends for over 30 years, sharing countless laughs, navigating life's challenges, even swapping astrologers and fortune tellers. Her presence was truly remarkable, her competitive spirit unmatched. I'm heartbroken and will deeply miss my dear friend, peer and cherished colleague." Chef Tyler Florence called her one of the funniest and "brightest" people he's ever met. Carla Hall from Worst Cooks in America remembered Anne as "a fierce chef and instructor" with cool "custom skirts, mismatched socks, and that unforgettable big smile." "She had an electric presence in and out of the kitchen—an incredible chef, a joyful spirit, and a passionate philanthropist," said Food Network star Marcus Samuelsson. "I'll always cherish the time we spent together at events, on set, and supporting causes like City Harvest." Related: From Florence Pugh To Zoë Kravitz, Here's All The Celebrities Who Rocked Sheer Or Naked Dresses Chef Aarón Sánchez praised everything about his "dear friend," including "her spirit, her fire, her talent, her leadership, [and] her laugh." "So much respect and love for this amazing woman," he continued. "I'll carry her memory with me always. Rest easy, amiga. 💔" Maneet Chauhan from Chopped thanked Anne for "making cooking fearless, fun and inspiring the next generation of young girls/ kids to dare to follow their dreams and to feel that they belong." Chef Robert Irvine remembered Anne's "radiant spirit" in a post shared on X. "From the very beginning on Worst Cooks in America, our friendly rivalry was fueled by mutual respect," he wrote. "I'd risk bleaching my hair; she'd risk losing hers. ... It was a wager I ultimately lost, but I couldn't imagine losing to a more fierce competitor." He also said, outside of the show, he "came to know her as a generous and supportive colleague and an even better friend." Twitter: @RobertIrvine Eric Adjepong, who appeared alongside Anne on Wildcard Kitchen, reportedly reacted to the "incredibly sad" news of her death on Instagram. "My heart to Chef Anne's family and friends," he wrote. "What a loss. RIP Chef." Related: Here Are 10 Celebs Who've Publicly Admitted The Reasons Why They Regret Ending Their Marriages Chris Santos said the news of Anne's death left him speechless. "I'm not usually lost for words but are just no words," he wrote. "All I can muster is to say that I'll miss you very much my friend, and I will never forget our days working and hanging out together, always having so much fun." Bizarre Foods host Andrew Zimmern posted a throwback photo on Instagram alongside a beaming Anne. "How I choose to remember people. Happy and laughing and believing that anything in life is possible," he said. "Sending all our love to her family, friends, and fans. An unnecessary loss is just the hardest to handle and this one really hurts. Nothing but love for all right now, especially Anne." Chef and host Alex Guarnaschelli encouraged fans to celebrate Anne like she would have wanted. "Make this moment about her," she said. "She'd want you to go out, raise a glass, sing karaoke (including this Sia song--one of her favorite 'Worst Cooks' warm up songs) and be able to say, like she does, #ilovewhatido --so do it for her. In her honor." Vivica A. Fox, who appeared on Worst Cooks and Beat Bobby Flay, remembered working with Anne in a moving statement to People. She said, "Anne taught me all about good food! I had a BLAST working with her and going to her restaurant for a good meal. I'll miss her kindness, smile and great hair! May she rest in paradise." In an X post, Aarti Sequeira from The Next Food Network Star reflected on Anne's realness. "The first time I met Anne Burrell, she gave me tough love I didn't want—but needed," she wrote. "She was bold, warm, and real. I still hear her in my kitchen: 'Brown food tastes good!' Anne, you'll be missed. Thank you for teaching us all. #luckygirl 💔" @aartipaarti / Food Network / Via Twitter: @aartipaarti Chopped judge Tiffani Faison shared a picture of Anne on Instagram and wrote, "Rest easy, Chef." Kardea Brown from Delicious Miss Brown said she was in "utter disbelief." "I was always impressed with how fierce she was in competitions and how she supported her friends & family," tweeted Simon Majumdar, who appeared on shows like Cutthroat Kitchen and Iron Chef America. "Rest in Peace. Rise in Glory." Gigi Hadid paid tribute to the chef while remembering when they worked together on Beat Bobby Flay, an experience she called "a dream come true." "I wish we could have done it again," she added. "She was awesome. Rest in Peace Legend." Chopped judge Amanda Freitag wrote on Instagram, "Rest in peace chef," alongside a black and white photo of Anne. "I am so incredibly sad to hear of the passing of my friend @AnneBurrell today!" tweeted RuPaul's Drag Race star Ginger Minj. "I hope you are rocking out and cooking up a feast tonight!" Finally, Loni Love, who appeared on Worst Cooks, said Anne's death left her in "shock and sorrow." She continued, "She was a gifted chef, and an extraordinary person. Chef Anne was the same on and off camera. She would just check on me out the blue. I will miss her tremendously. My condolences to her husband, family, & fans. Rest Chef." Also in Celebrity: If You Get 20/30 On This Difficult '90s Music Quiz, Then You Honestly Know Your Stuff!!! Also in Celebrity: 17 Actors Who Said "No" To Nudity And Sex Scenes Out Of Respect For Their Partners, Families, Religion, And More Also in Celebrity: 22 Absolutely Bonkers Things I've Learned About Old Hollywood Celebs That Made My Jaw Hit The Floor
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Remembering Anne Burrell: the brilliant chef who welcomed me into her home — and her heart
Anne Burrell was a friend to all. The celebrated chef's magnetic energy and palpable zest for life captivated millions of fans from every corner of the earth — on screen and off — before her heart-wrenching, untimely passing this week. I, myself, a Page Six reporter for almost a decade, have learned to be somewhat skeptical when meeting my Hollywood heroes — but Anne won me over instantaneously. I first had the honor of meeting the Food Network star last summer while filming a video tour of her impeccably curated maximalist loft in Brooklyn, NY. Her longtime publicist and good friend, Jaret Keller, had made the introduction (for which I will forever be grateful). My small yet scrappy team of journalists comprised of our photo director, photographer and videographer were welcomed into Anne's cozy home, quite literally, with open arms. Anne — wearing a colorful polka-dot dress perfectly mirroring her vibrant spirit — gave us each a warm hug upon our arrival before offering us beverages and snacks like the true entertainer she was. Then, without missing a beat, the 'Worst Cooks In America' host seamlessly shifted into on-camera mode for the interview. She was a total professional. We spent the afternoon with Anne as she guided us through some of her most treasured spaces and prized possessions: a cherished photo of her and her husband, Stuart Claxton; her stunning terrace where she hosted dinner parties and savored quiet moments with her beloved cats, Nancy and Marcia; and her stepson's British Invasion-themed bedroom, which she fondly described as 'very, like, 'All You Need Is Love.'' 'Everything here is a little crooked, and I think that suits me just well,' she said of her charmingly wonky abode, adding warmly, 'I think I'm a little crooked, so I feel right at home here.' When the shoot wrapped, she mixed up her signature Aperol Spritzes and we toasted to a job well done and our newly formed friendships. Usually, for reporters, interactions with public figures will stop there. But Anne followed up in my Instagram DMs to share how much she loved getting to know us all. 'Thank you SO much!!!! Really absolutely FANTASTIC!!! Please thank everyone on the team!!!' she wrote to me, adding, 'Everything about this experience was just dreamy!!!!!' The restaurateur, who admitted in our TikTok Q&A that she's not a fan of kale, then sent a hilarious meme about a 'pro tip' for cooking the leafy greens: 'If you stir coconut oil into your kale, it makes it easier to scrape into the trash.' That was Anne in a nutshell: quick-witted and kind, firing off jokes, making everyone feel special and always the life of the party. I came to learn that first-hand nearly five months later when she attended Page Six Night at Ray's Hometown Bar in the Lower East Side as one of our celebrity guests. Joined by Keller and Claxton, Anne beamed as she bounced around the soirée celebrating the Page Six x Ray's hat collaboration launch. While Anne politely declined to wear the newspaper-hued snapbacks (so as not to ruin her famously spiky blond hairdo, she told me in a cheeky whisper) she flitted around the fête to partake in dancing, genuine conversation and a full-on photo shoot on the dive bar's shag carpet-covered stairwell. Having recently gotten engaged, I remember telling her how much I admired her beautiful 7-tiered wedding cake made by 'Cake Boss' star Buddy Valastro. The compliment prompted her to hand me her phone and demand that I add my number so she could connect me with the baker. That's the kind of caring confidant she was — going out of her way to make people happy with food, friendship and endless helpings of love. The esteemed 'Secrets of a Restaurant Chef' alum's time on earth was tragically cut short when she died in her New York City home at the age of 55. First responders pronounced her dead at the scene June 17. A 911 caller claimed that she went into cardiac arrest before passing away; however, her cause of death has not yet been revealed and an investigation is ongoing. Her family told Page Six in a statement that Anne will be remembered as a 'beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend.' 'Her smile lit up every room she entered,' the family said. As the culinary world says goodbye to a dear friend and Food Network icon, I take comfort in knowing that Anne's compassionate heart and remarkable legacy will never be forgotten.
