Anne Burrell, the beloved celebrity chef and vibrant television personality, tragically passed away at her home in Brooklyn, New York, on Tuesday, June 17, at the age of 55. Her sudden and unexpected demise sent shockwaves through the culinary world and among her vast fanbase, leaving many "shocked and confused" as she had appeared to be in excellent spirits just hours before.

The night before her death, on Monday, June 16, Burrell had enthusiastically participated in an improv show at The Second City New York in Brooklyn. This performance marked the finale of her "Improv for Actors" course, a new hobby she had embraced with remarkable passion. Friends and sources present at the show confirmed she was "so great" and "so happy," describing her as being in "great spirits" throughout and after the performance. Burrell herself had frequently expressed her joy for the classes on Instagram, sharing with her followers since March 19 that she was "having an ABSOLUTE blast" and learning "SO SO much," noting it helped her "get out of [her] shell." The Second City New York later issued a heartfelt tribute, remembering her as a "vibrant part" of their community, whose "enthusiasm was contagious" and presence "unforgettable." The New York City Police Department reported that she was found "unconscious and unresponsive" at her home around 7:50 a.m. on June 17, and was pronounced deceased on the scene by EMS.

Just days prior to her passing, Burrell maintained an active and positive social media presence. Her last Instagram post, shared on June 13, captured her grinning alongside the internet-famous "The Green Lady" in her Brooklyn neighborhood. In the caption, she declared, "I love what I do #luckygirl," a sentiment that now resonates deeply with her fans. This post quickly amassed a flood of comments expressing disbelief and sorrow, with many questioning, "How can this be??" given her recent lively updates.

Tributes poured in from across the globe, highlighting her profound impact on the culinary industry and the lives she touched. Fans shared heartfelt messages, with one noting that "The culinary world has lost a bright shining star," and praising her as an "amazing example of talent, passion for food and empowerment." Fellow culinary figures also shared their grief; a Canadian TV presenter remembered her as "vivacious, hilarious, full of life." Chef Robert Irvine, her colleague from Worst Cooks in America, penned a moving tribute, recalling her as not just a "fiery chef" but a "radiant spirit who lit up every room." Irvine emphasized her "unwavering dedication, not just to food, but to lifting others up," and her belief in "nurturing culinary potential."

Anne Burrell embarked on her television career after teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education in the early 2000s. She rose to prominence starring in popular Food Network shows such as Iron Chef America, Chef Wanted, Chopped, and most notably, Worst Cooks in America. In March 2024, she was featured on the competition series House of Knives. Beyond the screen, she authored two successful cookbooks: 2011's Cook Like a Rock Star, which was a New York Times bestseller, and Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire and Empower.

Burrell's family released a statement affirming, "Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered." They added, "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." She is survived by her husband Stuart Claxton, his son Javier, her mother Marlene, her sister Jane, her children Isabella, Amelia and Nicolas, and her brother Ben.