Celebrity Chef Anne Burrell Dead at 55—Food Network Mourns Beloved Host

Early Report and Family Statement

Anne Burrell, the spiky‑haired chef known for guiding beginners on Food Network’s Worst Cooks in America, died on Tuesday, June 17, at the age of fifty‑five, her family confirmed in a statement.

“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend—her smile lit up every room she entered,” the family said. “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.”

Response at Her Home

Police from Brooklyn’s 76th Precinct were dispatched to Burrell’s townhouse at approximately 7:50 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive woman. Emergency medical workers arrived minutes later and attempted lifesaving measures, but they pronounced her dead at the scene when revival efforts failed.

TMZ first reported the incident, stating that EMS staff had been called to help a woman in distress. PEOPLE later confirmed the account, quoting police who described Burrell as “unconscious and unresponsive.” The Office of Chief Medical Examiner will perform an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Family and Loved Ones

Burrell is survived by her husband of four years, marketing executive Stuart Claxton, his teenage son Javier, and her own children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas. Relatives described the chef as a steady source of encouragement who celebrated every small victory around the dinner table.

In their message, the family emphasized Burrell’s ability to make strangers feel welcome, whether in her professional kitchen or on a sidewalk in Brooklyn. They recalled her saying, “Food is love, and love is meant to be shared.” Friends say the phrase guided her daily life and explains why viewers felt connected to her.

Public Reaction

Within hours of the announcement, social media filled with tributes. One fan wrote, “I’m literally in disbelief right now. 55 is far too young.” Another posted, “As a foodie and lover of Worst Cooks in America, Anne Burrell changed so many lives.” Hashtags bearing her name quickly trended across multiple platforms.

Colleagues also shared memories. Chef Robert Irvine, her on‑air rival and friend, said, “Anne wasn’t just a fiery chef. She was a radiant spirit who lit up every room.” Fellow culinary stars Aaron Sanchez, Carla Hall, and Andrew Zimmern echoed his words, praising her mentorship and boundless energy through years in the television studio.

Network Statement

Food Network issued an official statement: “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 showing the joy that a good meal can bring. We will miss her dearly.”

Behind closed doors, producers remembered her willingness to film long hours with home cooks who had little confidence. Crew members recall her saying, “Don’t worry, we’ll fix it together,” whenever a dish went wrong. That attitude made her programs feel less like competitions and more like supportive learning classrooms.

Life in Kitchens and Beyond

Burrell’s road to television began in upstate New York, where she graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1996. She cooked in Italy, absorbed regional traditions, and returned to New York City to work under Lidia Bastianich at Felidia. Later, Mario Batali hired her as sous‑chef at his famed restaurant Babbo.

Those kitchens shaped her bold style—bright flavors, direct feedback, and the phrase “brown food tastes good.” Television producers noticed her energy on Iron Chef America, where she assisted Batali in timed battles. When Food Network launched Worst Cooks in America in 2010, they chose Burrell to coach beginners into safer, more confident home chefs.

Personal Touch and Legacy

Off‑camera, Burrell enjoyed teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education, where students recall her bright orange Crocs and louder‑than‑life laugh. She authored several cookbooks, most recently Cook Like a Rock Star, urging readers to trust their senses instead of strict recipes.

Friends say she found peace in weekend hikes upstate and Tuesday board‑game nights with her family. Her husband once noted, “Anne measured success by smiles around the table. If people were happy, the job was done.”