Anne Burrell, the vibrant and spiky-haired celebrity chef known for her magnetic personality and culinary excellence, died on Tuesday, June 17, at her home in Brooklyn, New York, at the age of 55. Her representatives confirmed the news in a statement to PEOPLE. Burrell was deeply cherished by her family, friends, and fans alike.
She is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, his son Javier, her mother Marlene, her sister Jane, Jane’s children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas, and her brother Ben. Her family remembered her as someone whose light touched millions across the world.
Food Network Star Who Inspired Millions Through Cooking Shows Books and Culinary Excellence
Burrell was a household name on Food Network, best known as the dynamic host of Worst Cooks in America. Her passionate mentorship and upbeat personality transformed novice cooks into confident chefs, and her trademark laugh became a staple on television.
Over the years, she made numerous appearances on Food Network hits such as Iron Chef America, Chef Wanted, Chopped, and Food Network Star. Most recently, she competed in House of Knives, which premiered in March 2025. Her influence extended beyond the screen, as she authored two popular cookbooks, including Cook Like a Rock Star, which became a New York Times bestseller.
Anne BurrellBorn on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Burrell found her culinary inspiration early, influenced by her mother and food television legend Julia Child. After studying English and Communication at Canisius College, she pursued a culinary degree at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, graduating in 1996.
She furthered her culinary education in Italy, where she immersed herself in Italian cooking philosophies. Upon returning to New York City, she worked under Lidia Bastianich at Felidia and refined her skills in Mediterranean cuisine at Savoy.
From TV Stardom to Service a Life Fueled by Passion Purpose and Love
Burrell’s early 2000s transition into culinary education at the Institute of Culinary Education eventually led her to television stardom. First appearing as a sous chef on Iron Chef America, her magnetic screen presence quickly earned her a solo spotlight. Her Emmy-nominated show, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, ran for nine successful seasons and cemented her role as a culinary icon. Her shows were not just about cooking—they were about empowering people to embrace their inner chef with confidence and joy.
Outside of her culinary career, Burrell was passionate about giving back. She was actively involved with the Garden of Dreams Foundation, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and City Harvest’s Food Council. She often expressed how fortunate she felt to share her life’s passion with others.
Burrell met her husband Stuart Claxton on Bumble in 2018, and they married in October 2021. She often spoke about the joy she found in marriage and the adventure of life with Stuart. Her life was defined by generosity, talent, and a contagious enthusiasm that left a lasting mark on the culinary world and beyond.