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Anne Burrell, Food Network host and celebrity chef, dies at 55
Anne Burrell, a celebrity chef and beloved Food Network host, died Tuesday morning at her home in Brooklyn, N.Y., according to her family. She was 55.
"Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered," her family said in a statement. "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."
The New York City Police Department told People that when officers arrived at about 7:50 a.m., Burrell was found 'unconscious and unresponsive.' She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Burrell had performed in an improv comedy show in Brooklyn on Monday night and was "in great spirits" during and after the performance, according to the magazine.
The show was part of an improv comedy class Burrell was taking at Second City New York.
"We're are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and student, Anne Burrell," Second City New York said on Instagram. "Anne brought joy, boldness, and an unwavering 'yes, and' spirit. Her enthusiasm was contagious, her presence unforgettable. Our thoughts go out to Anne's family and loved ones."
Burrell began her television cooking career as a sous chef on Iron Chef America in 2005. She went on to host her own series, Food Network's Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, for nine seasons from 2008 until 2012, before becoming the longtime host of Worst Cooks in America, where she helped amateur cooks hone their skills. Burrell went on to star in several more shows for the network, including Chef Wanted, Chopped, Food Network Star and, most recently, House of Knives.
"Anne was a remarkable person and culinary talent — teaching, competing and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring," the Food Network said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with Anne's family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss."
Tributes to Burrell from other Food Network stars quickly poured in.
"I'm heartbroken to hear about Anne's passing," Top Chef star Carla Hall said in a statement. "She was fierce, funny, and an incredibly talented cook and teacher—someone who brought so much fire and joy to everything she did."
'I am stunned and deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Anne Burrell. Anne wasn't just a fiery chef. She was a radiant spirit who lit up every room she entered,' Robert Irvine, a chef who worked with Burrell on Worst Cooks, wrote on Instagram. 'From the very beginning on Worst Cooks in America, our friendly rivalry was fueled by mutual respect: I'd risk bleaching my hair; she'd risk losing hers. An epic wager that epitomized her unbeatable spirit. It was a wager I ultimately lost, but I couldn't imagine losing to a more fierce competitor.'
Burrell shared her final Instagram post on June 12. The celebrity chef, who was also a New York native, posted about running into Elizabeth Sweetheart, 84, an artist known as the "Green Lady of Brooklyn."
"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 💚💚💚" wrote Burrell.
Burrell is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, who she married in October 2021, her stepson, Javier, her mother, Marlene, along with her sister, Jane, her children Isabella, Amelia and Nicolas, and her brother Ben.
