The culinary world is mourning the loss of beloved Food Network star and celebrity chef Anne Burrell, who passed away at the age of 55. Known for her signature spiky blonde hair, vibrant personality, and passion for teaching home cooks, Burrell died at her home in Brooklyn, New York, on Monday, June 17, 2024.
Her death was confirmed by both her family and Food Network representatives, though a cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
Tributes Pour In for the Beloved Chef
Anne Burrell’s family released a heartfelt statement remembering her profound impact. They described her as a “beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend” whose radiant smile could light up any room. Their tribute highlighted how her “light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world,” adding that “her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.”
Food Network also paid tribute to Burrell’s significant contributions to the culinary and television landscape. A network spokesperson called her a “remarkable person and culinary talent,” acknowledging her roles in teaching and competing. They noted her consistent emphasis on the importance of food in life and the simple joy a delicious meal can bring, expressing condolences to her family, friends, and fans.
A Distinguished Culinary Career
Anne Burrell was a prominent fixture on Food Network for nearly two decades, leaving an indelible mark on audiences and aspiring cooks alike. Her television journey began in 2005 as a sous chef on Iron Chef America, where her skills and personality quickly resonated.
By 2008, she landed her own show, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, which ran for nine seasons and earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Culinary Program in 2011. She became perhaps most widely recognized as the charismatic host and mentor on the hit series Worst Cooks in America, guiding complete novices through culinary challenges with patience and humor.
Her extensive television credits also include appearances on popular shows such as:
Chef Wanted
Chopped
Food Network Star
Beat Bobby Flay
- House of Knives (her most recent competition)
- www.yahoo.com
- www.eonline.com
- www.today.com
- www.cbsnews.com
Before her successful television career, Burrell built a strong foundation in classical culinary arts. She was a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America and further honed her skills during a year at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners. She gained valuable restaurant experience working as a Sous Chef at Manhattan’s Felidia Ristorante and later as a Chef at Savoy Restaurant. Burrell also spent over three years sharing her expertise as an instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education.
Beyond the screen and kitchen, she authored two bestselling cookbooks: Cook Like a Rock Star and Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire and Empower.
Putting the “Fun Factor” in Cooking
Burrell was known for her philosophy that cooking should be joyful, not intimidating, a principle she particularly applied when teaching amateur cooks. In a recent interview, she shared, “I truly, in my heart, feel that your food knows how you’re feeling when you cook it and it reacts accordingly. I like to put happy and joy into my food, and it’s not so serious.” She aimed to “take the fear factor out of it and put the fun factor in.”
In her final months, Burrell embraced a surprising new hobby: improv comedy classes in New York City. She reportedly performed in an improv show the evening before her passing and was said to be in “great spirits.” She found joy in the classes, embracing the playfulness despite her non-theatre background. Her last public social media post on June 12 reflected her delight in meeting a unique local personality, the “Green Lady of Brooklyn.”
Anne Burrell was also a dedicated advocate for charitable causes, serving on the advisory board for the Garden of Dreams Foundation, acting as a celebrity ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), and contributing to City Harvest’s Food Council.
She is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married in 2021, her stepson Javier, her mother Marlene, her sister Jane (and her children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas), and her brother Ben.
Anne Burrell’s legacy as a passionate chef, engaging teacher, and vibrant television personality will undoubtedly be remembered by the millions she inspired through her work. As she often said, “I feel so lucky to be able to share my true passion in life with others.”
