Food Network star Anne Burrell passed away on Tuesday, June 17, at the age of 55, in her Brooklyn, New York, home. The news of her death was confirmed in a statement released by her family, who described her as a "beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend." They added that "her smile lit up every room she entered" and that "her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal." Paramedics were reportedly called to her home after she was found unresponsive; however, they were unable to revive her. The medical examiner is expected to conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death, which had not been released at the time of reporting.

Anne Burrell is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she met on a dating app in 2018 and married in October 2021. She is also survived by her stepson Javier, her mother Marlene, and her sister Jane, among other family members.

Before her widespread fame on Food Network, Burrell established a strong culinary foundation. She graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1996 and further honed her skills through apprenticeships at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners. Upon returning to New York, she worked in various acclaimed restaurants and later shared her expertise by teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education.

Her television career began as a sous chef to Mario Batali on the pilot episode of Iron Chef America in 2005, a role she continued until 2009. Her engaging personality quickly led to her own Emmy-nominated series, "Secrets of a Restaurant Chef," which premiered in June 2008 and ran for nine seasons. Burrell became best known for hosting and mentoring on "Worst Cooks in America," a show she was a part of from its inception in 2010 until recently. She also made appearances on other popular Food Network series, including "Chef Wanted," "Chopped," "Food Network Star," and "House of Knives," which premiered in March.

Beyond her culinary and hosting talents, Burrell was a published author with two cookbooks to her name. She was also deeply committed to philanthropy, serving on the advisory board of the Garden of Dreams Foundation, acting as a celebrity ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and being a dedicated member of City Harvest’s Food Council. In the months leading up to her passing, Burrell shared on social media that she had begun taking improv classes at The Second City in Brooklyn and was slated to perform with her group a day before the announcement of her death.

Following the news of her death, Food Network released a heartfelt statement on its social media platforms, expressing deep sadness and acknowledging her as a "remarkable person and culinary talent." They highlighted her passion for food and the joy she brought to others through her work. Tributes poured in from fellow Food Network stars and various reality TV personalities who had worked with her, including Justin Sutherland, Priyanka Naik, Allison Victoria-Wolfe (winner of 'Worst Cooks in America' Season 15), and Chopped star Chris Valdes. Many expressed shock and sadness, remembering her as a "true culinary force" whose "fire, laughter, and love for food inspired so many."