Food Network star Anne Burrell was discovered dead in her Brooklyn, New York, home on Tuesday morning. She was 55.
Her death was confirmed in a statement from the Food Network: “We are deeply saddened to share the news that beloved chef, Anne Burrell, passed away this morning. 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. Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.”
We are deeply saddened to share the news that beloved chef, Anne Burrell, passed away this morning. 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. Our… pic.twitter.com/KABKH2SvkP
— Food Network (@FoodNetwork) June 17, 2025
The cause of death for the TV personality has not been disclosed.
Burrell made her Food Network debut in 2005 as part of the popular competition series “Iron Chef America,” serving as a sous chef for Iron Chef Mario Batali. She is also recognized for hosting the shows “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef” and “Worst Cooks in America.”
Burrell is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, his son, Javier, and her mother, brother, and sister, as Newsweek reported.
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” her family said in a statement. “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.”
Tributes to the reality show chef have been pouring in since the news of her death broke.
Her “Worst Cooks in America” co-host Robert Irvine wrote a lengthy post shared to social media, saying he was “stunned and deeply saddened” by the passing of his colleague.
“Anne wasn’t just a fiery chef. She was a radiant spirit who lit up every room she entered. From the very beginning on Worst Cooks in America, our friendly rivalry was fueled by mutual respect: I’d risk bleaching my hair; she’d risk losing hers. An epic wager that epitomized her unbeatable spirit. It was a wager I ultimately lost, but I couldn’t imagine losing to a more fierce competitor,” he wrote.
Comedian Loni Love also offered her condolences, writing, “Anne Burrell’s passing has left me in shock and sorrow. She was a gifted chef, and an extraordinary person. Chef Anne was the same on and off camera. She would just check on me out the blue. I will miss her tremendously. My condolences to her husband, family, & fans. Rest Chef.”