Celebrated chef and Food Network star Anne Burrell passed away at her home in Brooklyn, New York, on Tuesday morning, June 17, 2025, at the age of 55. Her family confirmed the news, sharing 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, touching millions across the world. Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.”

Known for her distinctive spiky blonde hair, spunky personality, and infectious enthusiasm, Burrell was a familiar and beloved face to millions of culinary television viewers. A spokesperson for the Food Network expressed their deep sadness, stating, “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. Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.”

Burrell’s impressive culinary journey began with a strong educational foundation. She earned a degree in English and communications from Canisius College in Buffalo, New York, before pursuing her true passion at the Culinary Institute of America, graduating in 1996. Further honing her skills, she studied at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners, where she developed a deep appreciation for Italian cuisine. She then applied her knowledge in some of New York City’s top kitchens, including Felidia under Lidia Bastianich and Savoy in SoHo, where she led the kitchen with her Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Prior to her television career, she dedicated over three years to teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education.

Her television debut as a sous chef on “Iron Chef America” quickly showcased her charisma and cooking prowess, leading to her own Emmy-nominated show, “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef,” which ran for nine successful seasons. Burrell became a staple on the Food Network, widely recognized as the longtime host of “Worst Cooks in America,” one of the network’s most successful series. Her extensive credits also include appearances on “Chef Wanted,” “Chopped,” “Food Network Star,” “Beat Bobby Flay,” and most recently, “House of Knives,” which premiered in March 2025. Beyond the screen, she authored two New York Times bestselling cookbooks, “Cook Like a Rock Star” and “Own Your Kitchen.”

Anne Burrell was also a dedicated philanthropist, generously contributing her time and resources to various causes. She served on the advisory board of the Garden of Dreams Foundation, acted as a celebrity ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (now Breakthrough T1D), and was a committed member of City Harvest’s Food Council. Recently, she partnered with CareRite Centers to implement a Signature Culinary Excellence program aimed at redefining dining experiences in rehabilitation and nursing facilities across several states.

She is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married in October 2021, and his son Javier. She is also survived by her mother Marlene, sister Jane, Jane’s children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas, and her brother Ben. Tributes poured in from fellow chefs and friends, including Andrew Zimmern and Maneet Chauhan, who fondly remembered her kindness, talent, and immense impact on the culinary world. While the exact cause of death has not yet been released and is pending an autopsy, authorities were called to her home after she was found unresponsive. Anne Burrell’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire aspiring cooks and food enthusiasts worldwide.