New York, NY – Anne Burrell, the vibrant chef and television personality known for her energetic presence on the Food Network, has passed away at the age of 55. According to the network, Burrell died on Tuesday morning at her home in New York.
Burrell’s family shared a heartfelt statement through the Food Network, describing her as a person whose “light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world.” The statement also emphasized that while she may no longer be with us, her “warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.”
A Legacy on the Food Network
Burrell was best known as a fixture on the Food Network, where she inspired both aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts. Throughout her career, she appeared on several shows, including “Worst Cooks in America”, “Iron Chef America”, and “Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell”. Her passion for food and her entertaining personality made her a beloved figure on the network for many years.
She started her television career as a sous chef on “Iron Chef America” in 2005, where she became a fan favorite. Burrell went on to host “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef”, which ran from 2008 to 2012 and was nominated for two Emmy Awards in 2011.
She later became the host of “Worst Cooks in America”, a show that highlighted her teaching style as she worked with contestants to improve their cooking skills. Burrell was also a frequent judge on “Chopped” and “BBQ Brawl: Flay V. Symon”, where her enthusiasm and culinary expertise shone through.
A Passionate Culinary Teacher
Known for her genuine love of cooking, Burrell often expressed that food should be about joy and happiness. In an interview with Tasting Table, she explained, “I like to put happy and joy into my food, and it’s not so serious.”
Her approach to teaching was rooted in kindness, and she was particularly noted for working with contestants on “Worst Cooks in America”, where she helped individuals with little to no cooking experience learn essential skills.
Outside of her Food Network career, Burrell frequently appeared on major daytime shows like “The Today Show,” “The Drew Barrymore Show,” and “Good Morning America,” where she shared her love for food and offered cooking tips to a broader audience.
Tributes from the Culinary World
Many fellow chefs and Food Network stars have paid tribute to Burrell following her passing. Sandra Lee, a close friend and fellow Food Network star, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, calling Burrell “the next generation of light in the culinary Food Network world.”
Robert Irvine, who co-hosted “America’s Worst Chefs” with Burrell, expressed his sadness, remembering her fiery spirit and infectious personality. “Anne wasn’t just a fiery chef—she was a radiant spirit who lit up every room she entered,” he wrote.
Andrew Zimmern, another longtime friend of Burrell’s, also shared his condolences, remembering their time together and the joy she brought to everyone around her. “My deepest love goes out to her family, friends, and fans,” Zimmern wrote, adding that they would continue to honor her legacy.
Personal Life
Burrell is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married in 2021, along with his son Javier, her mother, and her sister. She was known for her down-to-earth nature and close-knit family relationships, which she often shared with her fans.
Anne Burrell’s impact on the culinary world, and especially on the Food Network, will be remembered for her talent, her joy, and her unwavering love of food.