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Too soon, a beloved TV staple has passed away. The family confirmed to E! News that Anne Burrell, who hosted Food Network shows like Worst Cooks in America, passed away at home on June 17. Her age was 55.
In a statement provided to E!, her family said, "Anne was a cherished wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend—her smile lit up every room she entered."Anne's light touched millions of people worldwide, reaching far beyond the people she knew. Even though she is no longer with us, her spirit, warmth, and unending love endure.
Stuart Claxton, Burrell's spouse, whom she married in October 2021, is her surviving spouse. Her sister Jane, mother Marlene, and stepson Javier also survive her. The cause of death was not stated.
After Burrell's death, Food Network also posted a tribute to her.
In a statement, a network spokesperson said, "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."During this time of great loss, our thoughts are with Anne's family, friends, and fans."
As a sous chef for Mark Ladner on Iron Chef America, the TV personality made her cable channel debut in 2005 and immediately became a fan favorite. After three years, she started hosting Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, a show that was nominated for an Emmy in 2011 for Outstanding Culinary Program.
Burrell studied restaurant management at the Culinary Institute of America before studying abroad for a year at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners before he took over the small screen. She began her career in the United States as a sous chef at Manhattan's Felidia Ristorante before moving to Soho to work as a chef at Savoy Restaurant.
Additionally, Burrell insisted on keeping things light in the kitchen even though her culinary prowess—which she shared in two best-selling cookbooks—made her a celebrity.
"I genuinely believe that your food senses your emotions when you prepare it and responds appropriately," she said in an April interview with Tasting Table. It's not so serious; I like to add happiness and joy to my food. I instruct the worst chefs in the world. I mean, you've got to know how to do that. So, to me, I want to express to people, "Take the fear factor out of it and put the fun factor in.”
In her last months, Burrell even started taking improv classes in New York City, which gave her a fun new pastime.
"I showed up on the first day and [was] by far and away the oldest person in my class and the only one without a theater degree," she said. And my response is, 'Oh, well, whatever.'" You spend three hours a week playing games, and afterward you discuss why we play them and how much fun it is."
According to an Instagram post, Burrell actually performed an improv show on June 16—the night before she passed away.
Additionally, Burrell had a strong desire to support her community, serving on the Advisory Board of the Garden of Dreams Foundation and acting as a celebrity ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. According to her obituary, she frequently said, “I feel so lucky to be able to share my true passion in life with others.”
