Anne Burrell, Renowned Food Network Chef and Host, Passes Away at 55

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 passing has not been announced at this time.

Celebrating a Life of Culinary Passion and Influence
Anne Burrell’s contributions to the culinary world were as bold and memorable as her personality. She is survived by her mother Marlene, her sister Jane, her husband Stuart Claxton—whom she wed in a heartfelt ceremony in October 2021—and her stepson, Javier.

Burrell’s television journey began when she appeared as Mario Batali’s sous chef in the very first episode of Iron Chef America. Between 2005 and 2009, she became a familiar face on the series, helping usher in a new era of competitive cooking shows on Food Network.

Her solo breakthrough came in 2008 with Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, where she welcomed viewers into the world of professional cooking with practical advice and infectious enthusiasm.

It was in 2010, though, that she truly became a fan favorite. As the fearless and fiery coach on Worst Cooks in America, Burrell guided struggling home cooks with a blend of tough love, humor, and heart — a role she embraced for more than a decade, leaving a lasting mark on food television.

A Noticeable Silence That Raised Concern
Fans were quick to notice Anne Burrell’s absence from the most recent season of Worst Cooks in America. In January, after a follower reached out on Instagram, she offered a brief but sincere reply:

💬 “Uuuuughhh… I know. And I don’t know,” she wrote, acknowledging her departure without going into details.

When another admirer commented on how much she was missed on the show, Anne responded that she would “so try” to return next season — a hopeful note that sadly will now remain unanswered.

Embracing Something New in Her Final Months
Even in her time away from television, Burrell remained vibrant and full of curiosity. Just a few months before her passing, she shared that she had begun taking improv classes at Second City in New York — a new chapter in her personal journey.

In a cheerful Instagram update 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!!”

The post reflected a woman who was still learning, still laughing, and always reaching for new ways to grow — both professionally and personally.

One Last Smile for Her Fans
Burrell’s final Instagram post, shared on June 12, was a candid, joyful moment. She had finally crossed paths with the “Green Lady of Brooklyn,” a neighborhood personality she’d long admired.

“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!!!”

That small, sincere encounter captured Anne’s spirit perfectly — curious, playful, and always appreciating the magic in everyday life.

A Lasting Legacy in the Culinary World and Beyond
Anne Burrell was more than a TV chef — she was a mentor, a motivator, and a beloved personality who inspired countless home cooks to believe in themselves. Her bold energy, infectious laughter, and signature style brought comfort and encouragement to millions.

Though her passing leaves a deep void, her influence lives on through the many lives she touched — in kitchens, classrooms, and homes around the world.

Anne’s journey may have ended, but her passion, warmth, and spirit will continue to resonate for years to come.