Anne Burrell, a beloved and recognizable figure on the Food Network, has died at the age of 55. Known for her vibrant personality, signature spiky platinum hair, and culinary expertise, Burrell passed away at her home in Brooklyn, New York, on Tuesday morning. Her family confirmed the news in an emotional public statement.
According to law enforcement, the New York Police Department’s 76th Precinct responded to a call around 7:50 a.m. Eastern Time regarding an unconscious and unresponsive woman. Emergency Medical Services arrived shortly after and pronounced her dead at the scene. The New York Chief Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Burrell had been a familiar face in American kitchens for over a decade, most notably as the host of Worst Cooks in America, a reality show where she mentored novice cooks through their culinary challenges. The show ran for 28 seasons and earned her a dedicated fan base. She also appeared on other television programs, including Chef Wanted, Chopped, Food Network Star, and most recently House of Knives, which premiered in March.
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. Our… pic.twitter.com/KABKH2SvkP
— Food Network (@FoodNetwork) June 17, 2025
Just weeks before her passing, Burrell spoke with enthusiasm about her life and marriage during an April interview with the Daily Mail. She reflected warmly on her relationship with her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married in October 2021 in her hometown of Cazenovia, New York. The wedding, set during the fall, was described as intimate and seasonal. Burrell mentioned how much she enjoyed being married, saying it still felt like the honeymoon phase nearly four years in.
The couple, who often shared glimpses of their life together on social media, lived in Brooklyn along with Claxton’s son from a previous relationship. In one of her last posts, Burrell shared a playful video of their cat licking her husband’s hair, writing about the moment with affection and humor.
Anne Burrell found love later in life with husband Stuart Claxton — but their happy ending was cut short following her shocking death. https://t.co/0gpL4nHhyA
— Us Weekly (@usweekly) June 18, 2025
Burrell’s passion for food and cooking began in childhood, inspired by her mother’s home-cooked meals and the cooking shows of Julia Child. After earning a degree in English and Communications from Canisius College in 1991, she decided to pursue her passion full-time. She enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park and graduated in 1996. Her early culinary work took her to respected restaurants across New York City, including Felidia and Savoy, where she focused on Mediterranean cuisine.
Beyond her work on television, Burrell also authored two cookbooks: Cook Like a Rock Star and Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire & Empower, both of which were well received for their friendly and confident tone. She had also been taking improv classes in recent weeks, showing a continued interest in learning and expanding her creative skills.
The news of her death prompted tributes from across the entertainment and culinary worlds. Supermodel Gigi Hadid, who appeared alongside Burrell on Beat Bobby Flay, described her as a “legend” and said working with her was a dream come true. Television personality Carson Kressley shared a personal tribute, recalling recent conversations and memories with her, and saying she had cherished a particular photo of the two of them.
Anne Burrell’s sudden death has left a gap in the culinary and television communities. Friends, colleagues, and fans have expressed sadness and disbelief, remembering her not only for her talent in the kitchen but for the warmth and energy she brought to everything she did. Her family, in their statement, described her as someone whose light touched millions around the world and whose spirit will remain with those who knew her.
