The Culinary World Mourns the Loss of Chef Anne Burrell at 55
The Food Network community and fans around the globe are mourning the tragic and sudden passing of Anne Burrell, the charismatic chef and beloved host of Worst Cooks in America. She died at the age of 55 in her Brooklyn home on Tuesday, June 17, according to a family statement released to the press.
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” her 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.”
The cause of her death has not yet been disclosed.
A Life Full of Flavor, Passion, and Legacy
Anne Burrell leaves behind a powerful legacy in the culinary world. She is survived by her mother Marlene, sister Jane, her husband Stuart Claxton—whom she married in a heartwarming ceremony in October 2021—and her stepson Javier.
Burrell first gained national recognition when she appeared as a sous chef to Mario Batali on the pilot episode of Iron Chef America. From 2005 to 2009, she remained a staple on the series, helping shape the early identity of Food Network’s competition cooking era.
Her breakthrough came in 2008, when she began hosting Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, where she brought restaurant-level techniques into the homes of everyday cooks.
But it was in 2010 that Burrell became a household name as the fiery, no-nonsense mentor on Worst Cooks in America — a role she held for over a decade, mentoring novice chefs with heart and humor.
A Sudden Absence That Sparked Questions
Fans first noticed Burrell’s absence from the most recent season of Worst Cooks in America. In January, she responded to a concerned comment on Instagram:
💬 “Uuuuughhh… I know. And I don’t know,” she wrote, acknowledging her unexpected departure without further detail.
Another fan expressed how much the show missed her presence, and Burrell responded that she would “so try” to return in the next season.
A New Chapter That Will Now Remain Unwritten
Just months before her passing, Burrell had shared with fans that she was taking improv classes at Second City New York. In a joyful Instagram post from March, she wrote:
“OK… sooooooo a little update into the ‘Anne Burrell’ world. I know I have been kinda quiet of late. BUT I am taking ‘Improv for Actors’ at @secondcitynyc!!! Can I just say it is SO much fun and I am learning so SO much!!! It really helps me get out of my shell… as if I needed that!!”
This glimpse into her world showed a woman full of life, exploration, and the pursuit of new passions — even beyond the kitchen.
Her Final Public Post
Anne Burrell’s last Instagram post was dated June 12, just days before her passing. It was a selfie taken with the well-known “Green Lady of Brooklyn,” whom Burrell had been excited to meet in person.
“I ran into @greenladyofbrooklyn in my neighborhood today!! I’m not going to lie — I have been keeping an eye out for her,” she wrote. “I may or may not have followed her down the street for a minute. She is just lovely!!!”
It was a sweet, personal moment — a reminder of Anne’s genuine curiosity and warmth toward people.
Remembering Anne
Anne Burrell was more than just a TV personality. She was a mentor, an entertainer, and a source of comfort for many viewers around the world. Her energy, charisma, and love for cooking turned even the most hopeless culinary students into confident creators.
As the culinary world grieves this enormous loss, fans will remember her laugh, her iconic spiky blonde hair, and the way she transformed cooking into an act of joy.
She may be gone, but her legacy will continue to inspire future chefs, home cooks, and dreamers for generations to come.