Beloved Food Network star Anne Burrell, known for her trademark spiky platinum hair and vibrant personality, has died at the age of 55. The television chef who became a household name through shows like "Worst Cooks in America" passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday morning.
According to the Daily Mail, Burrell was found unresponsive at her home in Brooklyn, New York. Law enforcement reported that officers from NYPD's 76th Precinct responded to a call about "an unconscious and unresponsive 55-year-old female" at 7:50 a.m. EST.
Emergency Medical Services arrived at the scene but unfortunately pronounced Burrell deceased. While police did not officially name Burrell in their statement, the media outlet confirmed through an online search that the star's address matched the address provided by police. Her body will be autopsied by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner to determine the official cause of death.
"Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered," Burrell's family said in a statement obtained by People magazine. They emphasized the profound impact she had beyond her immediate circle.
The family 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." The emotional tribute highlighted how deeply she was cherished by those closest to her.
Burrell is survived by her husband Stuart Claxton, whom she married in October 2021 in an autumn-themed ceremony in her hometown of Cazenovia, New York. The couple had celebrated less than four years of marriage before her unexpected passing.
Supermodel Gigi Hadid was among the first celebrities to express heartbreak over Burrell's death. Hadid, who had appeared with Burrell on "Beat Bobby Flay," shared a photo of their time together and reminisced about the experience.
"I am heartbroken to hear of the loss of the Great Anne Burrell," Hadid wrote. "As a longtime fan, getting to share this day with her was a dream come true. Beat Bobby. Hang. Eat. I wish we could have done it again. She was awesome. Rest in Peace Legend."
Restaurant: Impossible star Robert Irvine described his late friend as a "radiant spirit" who "will be deeply missed and never forgotten." He shared memories of their friendly rivalry on "Worst Cooks in America" and praised her unwavering dedication to food and mentorship. Other celebrities, including Carson Kressley, Sandra Lee, and Buddy Valastro, also posted emotional tributes.
Burrell developed her passion for cooking at a young age, inspired by her mother's home-cooked meals and by watching culinary icon Julia Child on television. This early influence would shape her future in the food industry.
After earning a degree in English and Communications from Canisius College in Buffalo in 1991, she pursued her culinary dreams by enrolling at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, graduating in 1996. She then worked at several acclaimed New York City restaurants, including Felidia and Savoy in Soho, where she specialized in Mediterranean cuisine.
The chef rose to television fame as the longtime host of "Worst Cooks in America," which ran for 28 seasons. The competition show featured celebrated chefs mentoring amateur cooks in transforming them from kitchen disasters to capable home chefs. She also appeared on other Food Network shows including "Chef Wanted," "Chopped," and "Food Network Star." Most recently, she was featured in the competition series "House of Knives," which premiered in March 2025.
Fans flooded social media with tributes to Burrell, commenting on her most recent Instagram post shared just four days before her death. Many expressed shock at the sudden loss of the vibrant personality who had become a fixture in their homes through television.
The Food Network also released a statement saying, "We are deeply saddened to share the news that beloved chef, Anne Burrell, passed away this morning. 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."
Beyond her television career, Burrell left her mark on the culinary world through her two cookbooks: "Cook Like a Rock Star" and "Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire & Empower." Her approach to cooking emphasized accessibility and confidence in the kitchen, inspiring countless home cooks to expand their culinary horizons.
