June 17, 2025, marked a heartbreaking moment for the culinary world: Anne Burrell, the spirited, flame-haired celebrity chef and longtime host of Worst Cooks in America, was found dead at her home in Brooklyn, New York. She was just 55 years old. Known for her fiery personality, electric energy, and deep love for food, Burrell’s unexpected death has sent shockwaves across the culinary industry and beyond.
A Shocking Loss
According to authorities, Anne Burrell was found “unconscious and unresponsive” early Tuesday morning. Emergency medical personnel responded to a 911 call at her residence, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. The official cause of death has not yet been released, pending autopsy and toxicology results.
In a statement, Burrell’s family said,
“Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world through her television shows, cookbooks, and infectious personality.”
A Culinary Icon with a Larger-than-Life Personality
Burrell wasn’t just a chef — she was a television fixture, a mentor, and a trailblazer for women in culinary broadcasting. With her signature spiked blonde hair and boundless enthusiasm, she brought energy and authenticity to every dish she created.
She rose to prominence through her early appearances on Food Network’s Iron Chef America, where she assisted Mario Batali as his sous chef. Her dynamic on-screen presence quickly earned her a platform of her own, eventually leading to her most iconic role: host of Worst Cooks in America, which she helmed for 27 seasons. The show became a runaway success thanks to her mix of tough love, encouragement, and expert guidance.
She also hosted Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and appeared on shows like Chef Wanted, Beat Bobby Flay, Chopped, and The Best Thing I Ever Ate, among others.
From Cazenovia to Culinary Stardom
Born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Anne Burrell was passionate about food from an early age. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in English and Communications from Canisius College before enrolling in the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), graduating in 1996.
Her education didn’t stop there. Burrell studied at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners in Asti, Italy, and honed her craft by working in various Italian kitchens. This international experience shaped her cooking philosophy—rustic, bold, and always full of heart.
Back in the U.S., she worked in some of New York City's top restaurants, including Felidia and Centro Vinoteca, eventually co-owning Phil & Anne’s Good Time Lounge in Brooklyn.
A Mentor and Media Darling
Burrell’s teaching style was both approachable and effective. She had a special knack for making people feel seen, supported, and capable—even the most hopeless kitchen novices. Her legacy includes not just award-winning shows but also two bestselling cookbooks:
- Cook Like a Rock Star
- Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire & Empower
These titles reflect Burrell’s empowering attitude, encouraging readers to embrace bold flavors and fearless cooking.
Tributes Pour In
The announcement of her death brought an immediate outpouring of grief and admiration from her peers:
- Carla Hall called her “a force of nature who made learning to cook fun.”
- Tyler Florence wrote, “We lost one of the brightest lights in our kitchen world.”
- Gigi Hadid, Buddy Valastro, Aarón Sánchez, and Carson Kressley all expressed sorrow and shared fond memories of their time with Burrell.
Food Network also issued a tribute:
“Anne Burrell was a remarkable person, whose passion for food and love of teaching changed countless lives. She will be deeply missed.”
Personal Life and Marriage
In 2021, Anne married Stuart Claxton, a marketing executive, in a romantic ceremony in her hometown of Cazenovia. Their story captured the hearts of many fans, especially because it came later in life after they met on the dating app Bumble. She often shared stories about her new family life with Stuart and his son, Javier, from a previous relationship.
She is survived by her husband Stuart, stepson Javier, mother Marlene, and sister Jane.
A Legacy That Will Endure
Anne Burrell didn’t just cook food—she made it entertaining, empowering, and endlessly fun. She gave second chances to struggling home cooks and showed that anyone, regardless of skill, could find joy in the kitchen.
Her catchphrases—like “brown food tastes good!”—will continue to echo in kitchens across America, and her cookbooks and TV shows will remain go-to sources of both education and inspiration.