As the culinary world reels, friends and stars pay tribute to the late celebrity chef, revealing intimate memories of her life, laughter, and lasting impact.
Grief continues to ripple through the culinary community as tributes pour in for Anne Burrell. Fellow chefs and television personalities are remembering her bold spirit, generosity, and the meaningful relationships she nurtured throughout her career.
“Top Chef” alum Shirley Chung posted on Instagram about the honor of cooking alongside Burrell and expressed her gratitude for the mentorship she received. In disbelief over the loss, she recalled one of their final conversations, “We were just texting about eating tacos and knitting blankets last week, we were going to celebrate our new life….”
“30-Minute Meals” star Rachael Ray also expressed her grief in a deeply personal message. “The news about Anne has truly shaken us. John and I are heartbroken. I can’t quite believe it — such a strong, vibrant, fearless woman, so full of life and love, could be gone so soon,” she wrote.
Ray recounted how their friendship, built during multiple seasons of “Worst Cooks in America,” evolved into something profoundly meaningful. Burrell once asked Ray to be a bridesmaid, something Ray had only done for her sister, underscoring their close bond.
She remembered the laughter they shared while filming and the time Burrell cooked for her wedding anniversary in Italy. One vivid memory stood out: arriving early at Food Network studios to hear Burrell blasting music down the hallway, a reminder of her energy and love for life.
Additional tributes came from fellow chefs and personalities. Another “Top Chef” star, Carla Hall, told People that Burrell was “fierce, funny, and an incredibly talented cook and teacher,” someone who brought “fire and joy” to every endeavor. Hall said she felt fortunate to have worked with her on “Worst Cooks” and in nonprofit efforts.
“Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” star Carson Kressley, who collaborated with Burrell on “Worst Cooks in America” and “BBQ Brawl,” described her as a passionate chef whose cooking expressed her love for people.
“She was an amazing chef and teacher,” he said. “She loved people and her cooking was a way of showing that.”