Anne Burrell, the Food Network star best known for leading the channel’s hit show “Worst Cooks in America,” died on Tuesday. She was 55.
Burrell died at her home in Brooklyn, according to TMZ. Her cause of death was not immediately reported, though sources told the outlet she was found unresponsive at the residence Tuesday morning.
“We are deeply saddened to share the news that beloved chef, Anne Burrell, passed away this morning,” the Food Network said in a statement. “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 thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.”
Burrell became a fan favorite at the Food Network for her signature spiky blonde hair and energetic personality on “Worst Cooks,” doing her best to shape floundering chefs into respectable recipe followers.
When Burrell wasn’t tapped to join the show’s 28th season in January — after playing a central role in the first 27 — viewers were appalled and even Burrell was baffled. When asked on social media why she wasn’t on the show anymore, she replied, “I don’t know.”
Though she was only 55, Burrell was a Food Network veteran, competing in more than 200 culinary battles on the channel. She got her start as a sous chef on “Iron Chef America” before taking on a larger role.
Some of her many appearances included “Chef Wanted,” “Chopped,” “Food Network Star” and a new series, “House of Knives,” which debuted in March.
Born on Sept. 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, N.Y., Burrell didn’t begin her culinary journey until first obtaining an English and communications degree from Canisius University in Buffalo.
But from there, it was all food. She graduated from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, then snagged a job at a Michelin star restaurant in Italy before eventually moving to New York City.
Her TV career began in 2005 as a sous chef to Mario Batali on “Iron Chef,” but it took off a few years later when she got her own program, “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef.”
“Burrell’s on-air persona combines the physical heft of Batali, a permanent case of bed-head and the totally wacky comedic sensibility of a pre-rehab Robin Williams,” the Dallas Observer wrote in 2011.
In addition to her TV success, Burrell wrote two cookbooks: “Cook Like a Rock Star” in 2011 and “Own Your Kitchen” in 2013.
“I like to put happy and joy into my food, and it’s not so serious,” Burrell told Tasting Table in an April interview. “I teach the worst cooks in the world. I mean, you got to know how to do that.”
Burrell is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married in 2021; her stepson, Javier; her mother, Marlene; and her siblings, Ben and Jane.
In the wake of Burrell’s death, tributes poured in from her fans, fellow chefs and Food Network stars.
“Anne’s presence was pure sunshine — her laugh filled every room and her love touched every soul,” said Melba Wilson of Melba’s Restaurant in Harlem. “She was the most generous spirit, always giving to others, whether mentoring culinary students or helping families during the holidays.”
Robert Irvine, who co-hosted “Worst Cooks” in 2011 and 2018, remembered Burrell as not only a “fiery chef” but as a “generous and supportive colleague and an even better friend.”
“I’ll always remember her unwavering dedication, not just to food, but to lifting others up,” he wrote. “Your legacy as a champion of food, kindness and empowerment will continue to inspire. Thank you for every lesson, every challenge and every glorious moment. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten.”
Originally Published: June 17, 2025 at 5:32 PM EDT
