The culinary world is mourning the sudden loss of beloved chef and Food Network star Anne Burrell, who passed away at the age of 55. Among the many heartfelt tributes pouring in, fellow chef Bobby Flay shared a deeply personal memory, revealing what he considers the “greatest gift” she ever gave him before her untimely death.
Sharing his grief on Instagram, the “Beat Bobby Flay” host paid tribute to Burrell, reflecting on her impact both professionally and personally.
“The greatest gift I got from AB was turning me on to a world of Maine Coon Cats (including Nacho)… a gift that I’ll have forever,” Flay wrote, referring to his popular Maine Coon cat, Nacho. This touching revelation highlights a unique bond they shared beyond the kitchen.
Flay, 60, also praised Burrell’s signature Food Network series, “Worst Cooks in America,” calling it “the funnest show on TV.” Having guest-starred on four seasons, he added, “All of your co-hosts (me included) were just alongside for the Anne Burrell ride.”
A Shared Love for Felines
Burrell’s passion for cats, particularly her Calico Maine Coons, was well-known among her fans. She often shared photos of her feline companions and had previously spoken about her love for sitting with them on the terrace of her whimsical Brooklyn loft. This shared affection for the breed provided a genuine connection between the two chefs, one that Flay cherishes as a lasting legacy of their friendship.
Just days before Burrell’s passing, Flay himself had gushed about his love for Nacho in an Instagram post, describing himself as a “cat-dad-since-forever” and referencing his “lifelong cat obsession.”
Tributes Pour In From Fellow Chefs
The news of Anne Burrell’s death sent shockwaves through the culinary community. Beyond Bobby Flay, numerous friends and colleagues shared their grief and memories.
Rachael Ray, who became close friends with Burrell through multiple seasons of “Worst Cooks,” shared an emotional tribute, describing her disbelief at the loss of such a “strong, vibrant, fearless woman.” Ray, whom Burrell asked to be a bridesmaid in her 2021 wedding to Stuart Claxton, emphasized how Burrell became “so much more than a colleague,” always treating her as “one of the gang” despite Ray not being a classically trained chef. They shared many laughs on set and even a special memory of Burrell cooking for Ray in Italy. Ray remembered Burrell as a “force in the kitchen, in any room, in every life she touched.”
Other chefs also shared poignant messages. Robert Irvine called her a “radiant spirit,” while Michael Voltaggio remembered her as not just an “incredible chef, teacher and colleague” but a “loyal and thoughtful friend” who knitted a baby blanket for his daughter and consistently checked in on others.
Details Surrounding Anne Burrell’s Sudden Passing
Anne Burrell died suddenly at her home in Brooklyn, New York, on Tuesday, June 17, at the age of 55. First responders pronounced her dead at the scene.
Her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married in 2021, discovered her unresponsive on the floor of their bathroom shower Tuesday morning. Claxton had last seen her alive and well around 1 a.m., finding her just before 8 a.m. He swiftly called 911 and was advised to perform CPR.
While the official cause of death is pending an ongoing investigation, a 911 caller reportedly claimed that the chef went into cardiac arrest and was “dead on arrival.” The suddenness of her death was particularly shocking as Burrell had spent her final evening having a “blast” at an improv show in Brooklyn just hours before.
Anne Burrell is survived by her husband Stuart Claxton, his son Javier, her mother Marlene, her sister Jane, her brother Ben, and their children.
A Lasting Light
In a statement, Burrell’s family described her as a “beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend.” They shared, “Her smile lit up every room she entered,” adding that “Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world.”
Food Network also paid tribute to the star known for her signature spiky blonde hair, calling her a “remarkable person and culinary talent” and expressing condolences to her family, friends, and fans during this time of “tremendous loss.” Though she is gone, the warmth, spirit, and boundless love Anne Burrell shared with the world will remain eternal.
