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American chef Anne Burrell dies at 55 in New York

The Food Network star was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn apartment. She had hosted 27 seasons of “Worst Cooks in America” and was widely known for her passion, energy, and humor in the kitchen

The celebrated American chef Anne Burrell, a familiar face on Food Network and longtime host of the show Worst Cooks in America, has died suddenly at the age of 55 in New York. The announcement was made by her family, who described her in an emotional statement as “a beloved wife, sister, daughter, mother, and friend, whose light lit up every room she entered.”

According to TMZ, Burrell was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn apartment on the morning of Tuesday, June 17. Despite paramedics being dispatched for a suspected cardiac arrest, she could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene. The official cause of death has not yet been confirmed; an autopsy is scheduled to determine the precise circumstances.

Born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Burrell began her culinary journey inspired by her mother’s cooking and the television programs of Julia Child. After earning a degree in communication and English from Canisius College in Buffalo, she graduated in 1996 from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, and later honed her skills in Italy at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners in Asti.

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A talented chef, Anne Burrell worked at Felidia in Manhattan alongside renowned Italian-American chef Lidia Bastianich. Her television career took off in 2005 with The Next Iron Chef, but it was Secrets of a Restaurant Chef (2008–2012) and especially Worst Cooks in America (from 2010) that made her a familiar face to millions. She hosted 27 seasons of the show, initially alongside Beau MacMillan. Burrell also appeared in numerous other cooking shows, including Chopped, Cutthroat Kitchen, Food Network Star, The Kitchen, Beat Bobby Flay, and House of Knives.

“Anne was an extraordinary person and a singular culinary talent,” said a Food Network spokesperson. “She taught, competed, and shared with everyone the importance of food in her life and the joy a good meal can bring.”

Beyond her television work, Burrell was involved in many charitable efforts: she served on the Garden of Dreams Foundation Advisory Board, was an ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and actively supported City Harvest. She is survived by her husband Stuart Claxton, a Univision advertising executive whom she married in 2021 (with Rachael Ray among the bridesmaids); her children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas; her stepson Javier; her mother Marlene; and her siblings Jane and Ben.

In a recent interview, Burrell said: “I truly believe food feels how you feel when you’re cooking it—and reacts accordingly. I like to put happiness and joy into my dishes. It’s not that serious.”

Tributes poured in on social media from friends, colleagues, and fans, including celebrities like Gigi Hadid, Buddy Valastro, and Carson Kressley.

Gigi Hadid, who had appeared with Burrell on a Food Network special, posted a photo with her, writing: “Devastated to hear about the passing of the amazing Anne Burrell. As a longtime fan, sharing that day with her was a dream come true. I wish we could have done it again. She was wonderful. Rest in peace.”

Buddy Valastro, star of Cake Boss, wrote on Instagram: “Anne, your passion, energy, and love for food lit up every kitchen. You were a true force of nature and a beautiful soul. Rest in peace, chef. You will be deeply missed.”

Carson Kressley, a well-known TV personality, recalled their friendship on and off screen: “I feel lucky to have worked with you, learned from you, laughed with you. Good food, good friends, lots of love and laughter—that’s what I wish for you, wherever you are now.” Chef Carla Hall described Anne as “a badass chef and teacher, with her tailored skirts, mismatched socks, and that unforgettable smile. Anne, you brought so much heart and warmth to every kitchen.” Tyler Florence, her former co-host on Worst Cooks in America, wrote: “She was one of the brightest stars. I see you, Anne. All your sparkle, watching over us. Thank you for sharing your gift. We were all lucky.”

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