Food Network star Anne Burrell dies aged 55 leaving Worst Cooks in America fans devastated after show absence

The Sun

5 hours ago

FANS are saddened after learning of Food Network star Anne Burrell's sudden death.
Anne, 55, sadly died on Tuesday at her home in Brooklyn, New York - and her huge fan base are already paying tribute on social media.
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She was best-known for appearances on the hit cooking channel, with her having been a longtime host of Worst Cooks in America.
NYPD confirmed to The U.S. Sun that they received a 911 call on Tuesday at 7:50am to an 'aided female' inside the residence and upon arrival found a 55-year-old "unconscious."
The NYPD told The U.S. Sun, 'She was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity is being withheld pending family notification.'
A post mortem will be carried out and an investigation is ongoing.
People obtained a statement announcing Anne's passing.
It read, "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."
Anne was married to her husband Stuart Claxton, whom she wed in 2021.
FANS PAY TRIBUTE
Flocking to Anne's final Instagram post, which was shared just five days ago, fans are paying tribute to the late chef.
"Rip Anne. You brought so much light to Food Network. Worst Cooks is still one of my favorite shows," said one.
"Prayers for your family. This feels so unexpected. You were always one of our all time favorite chefs and seemed like a great person! I'm sure you'll be missed by many," penned a second.
"I am beyond devastated. May you rest in eternal peace," added a third.
Food Network fans think Anne Burrell was fired from Worst Cooks in America after spotting buried Instagram comment
Anne's final Instagram post, which was shared last week, saw her beaming as she snapped a selfie with artist Green Lady of Brooklyn.
In the caption, she penned: "I ran into @greenladyofbrooklyn in my neighborhood today!!
"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!!! #ilovewhatido #luckygirl."
In the snap, Anne looked to be in great spirits as she smiled widely and looked overjoyed to have met the artist.
SPIN-OFF ABSENCE
Earlier this year, there was chatter and rampant speculation that Anne might have been fired from the hit Worst Cooks franchise.
Although she had been a long-standing host of the hit TV show, she was not announced to be starring in its spin-off - which left fans saddened.
Anne was not be starring in the new series of Worst Cooks in America Celebrity Edition: Heroes Vs. Villains, with speculation ramping up at the start of the year.
When Anne was absent from the show on January 10, fans took to Instagram to ask her why.
"Why aren't you in Worst Cooks? It's not the same," penned one person on Anne's Instagram, underneath a post.
Anne then replied: "Honestly I don't know," complete with a shrugging shoulders emoji and a heart.
RECENT PODCAST APPEARANCE
At the end of 2024, Anne sat down with her TV chef pal Rachael Ray to discuss what it's like being a woman in the food industry.
During an appearance on Rachael's podcast last December, Anne spoke about dressing well in your day-to-day life and making an effort with your appearance.
"I feel like when you take the effort to do that on your outside it makes you feel better on the inside," Anne said.
"And like when you show up to a situation, no matter what it is, when you are put together, people notice that.
"And I think it just almost commands respect, you know, where, when you have taken the time to put together yourself," she went on.
She affirmed that "things don't have to be expensive" and added that putting in a "little" bit of effort will send a message to people and allow them to "react accordingly."
Anne's first Food Network stint was on Iron Chef America back in 2005.
Her series titled Secrets of a Restaurant Chef then debuted in 2008.
And it was in 2010 that she made a name for herself on Worst Cooks In America.
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