Food Network Icon Anne Burrell Dies At 55
Celebrity chef Anne Burrell, known for her spiky platinum hair and vibrant personality, has died at the age of 55.
The Food Network star passed away on June 17, 2025, at her Brooklyn home.
Loved by fans and colleagues alike, Burrell's culinary influence and radiant presence left an indelible mark on the world of food and television.
Born in Cazenovia, New York, on September 21, 1969, Burrell fell in love with cooking early on, inspired by her mother's homemade meals and the influence of TV legend Julia Child.
She first earned a degree in English and Communication at Canisius College before enrolling at the Culinary Institute of America, from which she graduated in 1996.
Her deep passion for Italian cuisine took her to the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners, where she immersed herself in the country's culinary philosophies.
Upon returning to New York City, she worked in top-tier kitchens, including Felidia with Lidia Bastianich and Savoy in SoHo, where she mastered Mediterranean flavors.
Eventually, she began teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education before stepping into the spotlight on television.
Food Network viewers first met Burrell as a sous chef on "Iron Chef America," where her energy and skill earned her a devoted following.
In 2008, she launched her own Emmy-nominated show, "Secrets of a Restaurant Chef," which ran for nine successful seasons.
Burrell also became a mainstay on "Worst Cooks in America," where her spirited mentorship helped culinary novices find confidence in the kitchen.
She continued her television run with appearances on "Chopped," "Chef Wanted," "Food Network Star," and most recently, "House of Knives," which premiered in March 2025.
Her career was marked by passion, laughter, and an unmistakable flair.
"I feel so lucky to be able to share my true passion in life with others," Burrell once shared.
Burrell married Stuart Claxton on October 16, 2021, after meeting him on Bumble in 2018.
Speaking to PEOPLE at City Harvest's 40th Anniversary Gala in 2023, she shared, "I have to say, I love being married. We're together all the time because Stuart works from home. It's the being together all the time, but it's also the adventure together."
Beyond her culinary fame, Burrell was also known for her philanthropy.
She served on the advisory board for the Garden of Dreams Foundation, was an ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and contributed to City Harvest's Food Council.
Her two cookbooks, "Cook Like a Rock Star" and "Own Your Kitchen," both inspired home chefs nationwide.
Anne Burrell is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, and his son, Javier; her mother, Marlene; her sister, Jane; her children, Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas; and her brother, Ben.
Her family shared a touching statement to PEOPLE following her passing.
They said, '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.'
The statement continued, 'Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.'
Burrell made her final Instagram post four days before her death. In the post, she shared a picture of herself and the Green Lady of Brooklyn, Elizabeth Eaton Rosenthal, all smiles as they posed.
In the post's caption, Burrell Anne, "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!!!"
Following Burrell's death, many of her fans shared condolence messages in the comment section of her last Instagram post.
One person wrote, "The culinary world has lost a bright shining star. Remember her and the pen marks on the fingers if they didn't hold the knife, right? As a woman who went to culinary school and worked in the industry, she was such an amazing example of talent, passion for food and empowerment. This news is so sad. However, if any consolation can be had is that she made a huge impact on the industry she loved...heaven just got a great chef!!"
Another person added, "RIP ANNE! I can't believe this! We lost a good one!"
A third fan shared, "Rip Anne. You brought so much light to Food Network. Worst Cooks is still one of my favorite shows."
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