Anne Burrell, the fiery chef who became a household name through her long-running Food Network career, has passed away at the age of 55. Known for her boundless energy, bold teaching style, and platinum blond hair, Burrell died on June 17 at her home in Brooklyn, New York, according to a statement from her representatives.
“With her trademark spiky blonde hair and sparkling personality, Anne Burrell was the hugely popular and fan-favorite host of Food Network’s hit show, Worst Cooks in America,” the statement read. “Burrell was an industry veteran and passionate teacher who prided herself on her work in the culinary world.”
Burrell, a frequent guest on the TODAY show, was discovered unresponsive just before 8 a.m. in her Brooklyn residence, according to the New York City Police Department. Emergency medical services pronounced her dead at the scene. An autopsy will be performed by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner to determine the exact cause of death.
Her family, in a heartfelt tribute, described her as “a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend” and emphasized that her “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,” they said.
Anne Burrell left her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married in a charming ceremony in 2021, and his son, Javier. She also leaves behind her mother, Marlene, her sister Jane, and her brother Ben.
A Culinary Life That Inspired Millions
Anne Burrell’s two-decade-long presence on the Food Network helped shape the culinary landscape of television. Her career began not in front of the camera, but in the kitchen and the classroom. A former culinary instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, Burrell was deeply passionate about demystifying restaurant-level techniques for home cooks.
She first gained national attention in 2005 as a sous chef on Iron Chef America, where she worked alongside Mario Batali. But it was her solo venture, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef (2008–2012), that cemented her place as a Food Network mainstay. The Emmy-nominated show showcased her talent for breaking down complex recipes into practical steps with personality and pizzazz.
Burrell later became best known for Worst Cooks in America, where she mentored kitchen novices with humor and no-nonsense coaching. From 2010 onward, she hosted the series for over two dozen seasons, helping inept cooks transform into confident home chefs. Her ability to connect with participants—and viewers—was unparalleled.
She also made regular appearances on Chopped, Chef Wanted, Food Network Star, and other fan-favorite shows. Most recently, she competed on House of Knives, which premiered in March 2025 and brought her back into the competitive culinary spotlight.
More Than a Chef: A Performer, Teacher, and Author
Anne Burrell wasn’t just a chef—she was a storyteller. Her presence lit up every room she entered, whether it was a classroom, studio kitchen, or live audience. Her cookbooks, Cook Like a Rock Star and Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire and Empower, became New York Times bestsellers and reflected her mission to make cooking accessible and joyful.
Her final appearance on the TODAY show aired on April 9, where she delighted viewers with a Chicken Milanese recipe and shared her excitement about House of Knives. “The new show is so fun,” she beamed. “It was really great to be actually competing and cooking again.”
In addition to her culinary accomplishments, Anne had recently embraced a new creative outlet: improv comedy. She had enrolled in classes at the Second City in Brooklyn and frequently posted on social media about how much she was enjoying it. “Having an ABSOLUTE blast!!” she wrote in one post.
She even performed in a show the night before her death. Her friend and fellow performer Jane Margolis posted a tribute on Instagram, writing: “Spent last night enjoying Anne’s cooking and doing an improv show together. Still in shock but so glad I got to know you.”
Cookbooks that rocked the pantry
Off-camera, Burrell distilled her fearless technique into two New York Times bestsellers: Cook Like a Rock Star (2011), featuring 125 recipes for the “bad-ass yet accessible” cook, and Own Your Kitchen (2013), whose 100 dishes were designed to “inspire & empower.” Both books read like she spoke—peppered with “ciao, belli!” and instructions to “take a swig of wine while the sauce reduces.”
A Voice That Will Be Missed
In a statement, Food Network remembered Burrell as “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.”
Burrell’s charm came not just from her skill but from her unique presence—her laughter, her fierce guidance in the kitchen, and her ability to make food fun again. She didn’t just teach recipes; she taught confidence, creativity, and the courage to try again after burning the first pancake.
She was unapologetically bold, wildly passionate, and deeply generous with her time and knowledge. For every viewer who feared the stovetop, Anne Burrell offered reassurance that they, too, could learn to cook—and enjoy doing it.
Remembering Anne
Anne Burrell leaves behind a legacy that lives in her shows, her books, and the countless lives she touched. Her impact on food television is indelible, but it’s her joy, her humor, and her humanity that fans will remember most.
In kitchens around the country tonight, home cooks may reach for her cookbook, rewatch a favorite episode, or try a dish they never dared to before. And in doing so, they’ll honor the chef who made cooking feel like something anyone could do—with a little salt, a lot of butter, and a whole lot of heart.
Rest in peace, Chef Anne. You taught us how to cook like rock stars—and to never be afraid of a little flame.
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