Sandra Lee Mourns Death of Food Network's Anne Burrell: ‘Larger Than Life'

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Sandra Lee is paying tribute to Anne Burrell after her death at age 55.
'Anne Burrell was smart. She was sweet. She was funny. She was larger than life. She lived it completely, unabashedly and uniquely,' Lee said in a statement to Us Weekly. 'I'll never forget the first time I met her in a casino in Atlantic City, she boldly approached me, introducing herself with her girl gang — she was so endearing, so so funny and delightful.'
The statement continued, '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!'
News broke on Tuesday, June 17, that the Worst Cooks in America host died in her Brooklyn home.
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'Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,' her family said in a statement obtained by People. '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.'
Burrell's cause of death has yet to be revealed. She is survived by her mother, Marlene, and sister, Jane, along with husband Stuart Claxton and his son, Javier.
Days before her death, Burrell shared a series of photos celebrating Elizabeth Falkner's event at Soho House in New York City.
'A delicious and delightful evening last night @sohohouse for @cheffalkner 's 'One Night Only' dinner,' she wrote via Instagram on Thursday, June 12. 'SUUUUUUPER yummy with a great group of people. Thank you Chef for the invite and deliciousness!! #theclaxtons #ilovewhatido #luckygirl.'
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Burrell rose to fame on Food Network when she was introduced as a sous chef on Iron Chef America. She then starred in Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, which premiered in 2008 and was on air for nine seasons. She has since appeared on Chopped, Chef Wanted, Food Network Star and competition series House of Knives, which premiered in March.
While balancing her culinary career, Burrell met Claxton on Bumble in 2018. Claxton recalled not knowing that he had matched with a Food Network star.
'It was a wonderful surprise,' he told Today in 2020. 'You know, on social, the photos are never as good as the real thing. When she sat down in front of me, I was like, 'Wow, she's so hot.''
Burrell, meanwhile, admitted she didn't see a wedding in her future before meeting Claxton. "I mean, I am 50. It didn't seem it would be in the cards for me," Burrell said. "I had always been so focused on my career. [Marriage] wasn't something I thought of."