Sadness has swept through the culinary and television world with the passing of Anne Burrell, the beloved chef and Food Network personality, who died on Tuesday morning, June 17, at her home in Brooklyn, New York. She was 55 years old.
Known for her signature platinum spiky hair, bold personality, and deep love for cooking, Burrell captured the hearts of millions through her passion for food and mentorship on screen. Her family confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement:
“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 personally, touching millions across the world. Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.”
She is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, his son Javier, her mother Marlene, her siblings Jane and Ben, and her children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas.
Burrell rose to fame as the long-time host of Worst Cooks in America, where she guided struggling home cooks to become confident in the kitchen. Her vibrant energy, infectious laugh, and undeniable culinary talent made her a standout figure on the Food Network.
Born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Burrell discovered her love for cooking at a young age, inspired by her mother’s meals and television icon Julia Child. She studied English and Communications at Canisius College in Buffalo before enrolling at the Culinary Institute of America, graduating in 1996.
Her passion for Italian cuisine led her to the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners, where she completed apprenticeships and embraced the philosophy of traditional Italian cooking. Upon returning to New York, she worked at several acclaimed restaurants, including Felidia under Lidia Bastianich and Savoy in Soho, focusing on Mediterranean flavors.
In the early 2000s, she began teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education, paving the way for her television career. She first appeared as a sous chef on Iron Chef America, and soon earned her own Emmy-nominated show, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, which ran for nine seasons starting in 2008.
Burrell remained a staple on the Food Network for years, appearing in Chopped, Chef Wanted, Food Network Star, and most recently, the competitive series House of Knives, which premiered in March 2025.
Her passing leaves a profound void in the culinary world, but her legacy as a chef, mentor, and television personality will continue to inspire future generations.
