Food Network star and beloved Chef Anne Burrell, best known as the longtime co-host of “Worst Cooks in America,” passed away at her home in New York on Tuesday at the age of 55. While the official cause of death is pending further testing, law enforcement officials have confirmed they are investigating her death as a possible drug overdose.
Sources familiar with the investigation reported that Burrell was discovered unconscious and unresponsive in the shower by her husband, Stuart Claxton, on Tuesday morning, approximately six to seven hours after he had last seen her alive. Emergency services were called to the Brooklyn residence following a 911 call, where initial reports mentioned a possible cardiac arrest. Burrell was pronounced dead at the scene upon the arrival of first responders.
Authorities reportedly found approximately 100 assorted pills surrounding her body in the bathroom. While a possible drug overdose is being investigated, sources cautioned that it is too early to definitively link the pills found at the scene to the cause of death, and foul play is not suspected at this time. An autopsy has been completed by the city medical examiner’s office, but the cause and manner of death remain undetermined as they await test results.
News of her sudden passing sent shockwaves through the culinary world and among her many fans. Just hours before she was found, on Monday night, Chef Burrell had reportedly performed in an improv comedy show in Brooklyn, with witnesses noting she seemed to be in “great spirits” when she left around 1 a.m. Friends and colleagues indicated she had recently spoken about pursuing new projects and seemed excited about her future endeavors, making her sudden death particularly surprising to those who knew her.
Tributes Pour In for the Culinary Star
Following the announcement of her death, tributes poured in from her family, Food Network, and fellow chefs.
Burrell’s family released a heartfelt statement remembering her as “a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend.” They added, “Her smile lit up every room she entered. 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.”
Food Network honored the late chef in a separate statement, describing her as “a remarkable person and culinary talent.” The network highlighted her dedication to “teaching, competing and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring.” They extended their thoughts to her family, friends, and fans during the “tremendous loss.”
Fellow culinary figures also expressed their grief. Chef Tyler Florence, a former co-host on “Worst Cooks in America,” called her a “legendary chef” and an “even better friend.” Rachael Ray, who served as a bridesmaid at Burrell’s wedding, shared she was “shaken” and “heartbroken.” Beau MacMillan, her original co-host on “Worst Cooks,” described the news as a “gut punch,” stating that “Anne was bigger than life” and always “in charge.”
More than 100 loved ones, including renowned chefs and celebrities, gathered for a wake on the Upper East Side on Friday to mourn her passing.
A Look Back at Chef Burrell’s Impact
Born Sept. 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Anne Burrell developed a passion for cooking early on, inspired by her mother and culinary icon Julia Child. She pursued her education at Canisius College, earning a degree in English and Communications, before attending the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, from which she graduated in 1996. She further honed her skills in Italy at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners, gaining extensive experience in Italian cuisine through apprenticeships.
Returning to the U.S. in 1998, Burrell worked in prominent kitchens, including serving as a sous chef under Lidia Bastianich at Felidia and leading the kitchen at Savoy in SoHo. She also spent over three years teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education before her television career took off.
Burrell first gained national recognition as a sous chef on “Iron Chef America.” She went on to host her own Emmy-nominated show, “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef,” which ran for nine seasons. With her distinctive spiked hair and energetic personality, she became a familiar face on Food Network, appearing on shows like “Chopped,” “Chef Wanted,” and “Food Network Star.” While she most recently competed in “House of Knives” in 2025, fans noted her absence from the latest season of “Worst Cooks in America” in January, a change she commented on simply by saying, “Honestly I don’t know.”
Beyond television, Burrell authored two successful cookbooks: “Cook Like a Rock Star,” a New York Times bestseller, and “Own Your Kitchen Recipes To Inspire & Empower.”
Chef Anne Burrell is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, and his son, Javier. She is also survived by her mother, Marlene; her sister, Jane, and Jane’s children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas; and her brother, Ben. The ongoing investigation continues as the public awaits the medical examiner’s final determination of her cause of death.
