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Food Network Stars React 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.
"Anne had a collage of star tattoos on her left arm. I asked her what they meant and she said she loved the night sky. And, how lucky she felt to be a star. She was one of the brightest. There's a new star in the sky tonight. I see you Anne. With all your sparkle, looking down. Thank you for sharing your gift with us. We're all lucky."
Carla Hall from Worst Cooks of 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."
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."
"The kitchen and won't be the same without you," she added, "but your spirit will always be with us. 💫 Rest in Peace Chef!!"
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."
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."
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."
