Anne Burrell Honored by Her Food Network Family

 

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Anne Burrell, the chef and Food Network star, is dead at 55. She was found “unconscious and unresponsive” in her home by police on June 17, per People, and the cause of death is currently unknown. “Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” her family said in a statement. “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.”

Burrell was a Food Network staple, hosting Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and Worst Cooks in America, as well as appearing on shows like Chopped and Food Network Stars. “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,” the Food Network said in a July 17 statement. “Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.”

Born in 1969 in Cazenovia, New York, Burrell graduated from Canisius College before attending the Culinary Institute of America as well as the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners, then worked in New York restaurants including Savoy and Felidia. She began her television career as Mario Batali’s sous-chef on Iron Chef America in 2005, standing out for her fiery personality. From there, she starred in Secrets of a Restaurant Chef from 2008 to 2012, on which she taught regular people how to cook like restaurateurs. “I try to take the fear factor out and let people know that it doesn’t have to be this awesome, daunting experience,” Burrell told the Canisius College Alumni Magazine in 2008. “Let’s just simplify it and make awesome stuff, so you feel good about it and then people can tell you how great you are!” She was a coach on Worst Cooks in America for 27 seasons, from 2010 to 2024, with her team winning 15 times. She married Stuart Claxton in 2021 and most recently competed on Food Network’s House of Knives in 2025.

Burrell’s Food Network co-stars, including her former Worst Cooks rivals Robert Irvine and Tyler Florence, are among the celebrities paying tribute to the chef. “Anne wasn’t just a fiery chef,” Irvine wrote online. “She was a radiant spirit who lit up every room she entered … I’ll always remember her unwavering dedication, not just to food, but to lifting others up. She believed in nurturing culinary potential and celebrating small victories, whether in an amateur cook or on a charity fundraiser.” Below, more tributes to the life and career of Anne Burrell.

Robert Irvine

Irvine was Burrell’s co-host on multiple seasons of Worst Cooks and posted a tribute to their “friendly rivalry.” Most famously, in the show’s second season, the two mounted a side bet over who won: If Burrell lost, she’d lose her signature hair, but if she won, Irvine would have to bleach his. Ultimately, Burrell won. “I couldn’t imagine losing to a more fierce competitor,” Irvine wrote in his tribute.

Tyler Florence

Florence also co-hosted a total of seven seasons of Worst Cooks with Burrell, losing to her six times. He wrote said he was “heartbroken” over her death, adding that “no one was funnier. She was Mensa smart with razor wit and sincere kindness.”

Carla Hall

In 2021, Hall co-hosted season 21 of Worst Cooks with Burrell, ultimately winning the season. She wrote that she “absolutely loved working with Anne” and called Burrell a “fierce chef and instructor.”

Buddy Valastro

Buddy Valastro, better known as Cake Boss, said Burrell’s “passion, energy, and love for food lit up every kitchen.”

Ginger Minj

Drag Race competitor Ginger Minj was friends with Burrell in and out of drag. “I hope you are rocking out and cooking up a feast tonight,” Minj wrote.

Carson Kressley

Kressley competed on season 11 of Worst Cooks and was friends with Burrell off-screen. He posted a selfie of the two of them that he knew “Anne loved.”

Ebie

Ebie is the daughter of rapper Eazy-E and competed on season 27 of Worst Cooks under Burrell. She posted a clip from the show and promised Burrell she’d “never hold another knife wrong or I’ll imagine your red mark on my finger.”

Loni Love

Comedian Loni Love won the ninth season of Worst Cooks and stayed in contact with Burrell. “She would just check on me out the blue,” Love said. “I will miss her tremendously.”

Joey Kinsley

Kinsley competed on seasons 21 and 22 of Worst Cooks and called Burrell his “cooking mom.” “Worst Cooks in America was my favorite show to watch, and to go on it and have her believe in me meant the absolute world,” he wrote on June 18. “Chef Anne changed my life and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.”

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 The Worst Cooks in America host died on June 17 at 55. 

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