Anne Burrell was truly one of a kind—brilliant, full of compassion, and overflowing with talent. Her sudden passing at the age of 55 has left a void in the culinary world and in the hearts of millions who admired her. Known for her spiky blonde hair and bold, fiery personality, Anne wasn’t just a celebrity chef—she was a warm and radiant force, beloved both on and off the screen.
On the morning of June 17, 2025, Anne was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn home. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but sadly, their efforts to revive her were unsuccessful. The New York City Police Department reported that she was “unconscious and unresponsive” when discovered and was pronounced dead at the scene. While authorities initially withheld her identity to notify her loved ones, the address released in the statement matched Anne’s residence. Later that day, her family confirmed the heartbreaking news. The city medical examiner is scheduled to conduct an autopsy to determine her official cause of death.
Anne Burrell was born on September 21, 1969, in the charming town of Cazenovia, New York. Her love for cooking began at an early age, inspired by her mother’s homemade meals and the larger-than-life presence of Julia Child on television. This passion would go on to shape her entire life and career. But Anne’s influence extended far beyond the kitchen. She was not only a celebrated chef and Food Network personality but also a dedicated wife, stepmother, daughter, sister, and friend.
Her family—husband Stuart Claxton, stepson Javier, mother Marlene, sister Jane, brother Ben, and children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas—released a heartfelt tribute. “Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — 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.”
Anne was adored by fans for her ability to make cooking feel fun, approachable, and joyful. Just five days before her passing, she posted a cheerful message on Instagram: “I ran into @greenladyofbrooklyn in my neighborhood today!! I’m not going to lie — I have been keeping an eye out for her. I may or may not have followed her down the street for a minute. She is just lovely!!! #ilovewhatido #luckygirl 💚💚💚.” That post now stands as a bittersweet reminder of her ever-positive energy and passion for life.
In what would become one of her final interviews, Anne spoke to TastingTable in April about the deep emotional connection between a cook and their food. “I truly in my heart feel that your food knows how you’re feeling when you cook it and it reacts accordingly,” she said. This belief defined her entire approach to cooking and teaching. She aimed to break down the barriers of fear and uncertainty in the kitchen. Through her popular shows like Worst Cooks in America, Anne guided beginners with patience, humor, and relentless encouragement. She believed that every mistake was a chance to learn and that cooking should be something that brings joy, not stress.
Her advice to home cooks was always practical and grounded. “Find a recipe for it. Don’t just try to wing it,” she said. “Read several recipes, pick the one you feel most comfortable with or the one that appeals to you the most, and then read it from beginning to end before you start cooking.” She was a strong advocate of mise en place—the practice of prepping all ingredients ahead of time—and always encouraged cleaning as you go to keep the process smooth. She also constantly reminded her audience to taste their food as they cook to make sure the flavors are on point.
Even in her final months, Anne’s honesty never wavered. When curious fans asked why she hadn’t appeared on recent episodes of Worst Cooks in America, she responded candidly on Instagram, “Honestly I don’t know. 🤷🏼♀️😑❤️.” That openness only deepened the love her fans felt for her.
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in 1996, Anne built an impressive resume over the years. She hosted several beloved Food Network shows including Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, All-Star Best Thing I Ever Ate, and Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell. Her appearances on Iron Chef America were also memorable, showcasing her fierce skills and fiery personality.
But her contributions didn’t stop at television. Anne was deeply committed to giving back. She served on the advisory board for the Garden of Dreams Foundation, worked as a celebrity ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and supported City Harvest’s Food Council. Her dedication to helping others went hand in hand with her culinary mission. “I feel so lucky to be able to share my true passion in life with others,” she once said.
Anne’s personal life was filled with love and laughter. She met her husband Stuart Claxton on the dating app Bumble in 2018. The couple got engaged in April 2020 while quarantining together and were married in a beautiful October 2021 ceremony, surrounded by friends and fellow Food Network stars. In a March 2023 interview with People, Anne reflected, “I have to say, I love being married. We’re together all the time because Stuart works from home. It’s the being together all the time, but it’s also the adventure together.” Stuart echoed that sentiment, saying, “It’s been wonderful, to say the least.”
The couple made their home in a newly renovated Brooklyn apartment. Anne shared how much fun they had decorating and setting up their “marital home.” They spent their time planning future travels, enjoying quiet dinners, and making memories through karaoke nights and shared cooking sessions. “I’m looking forward to taking a trip — just the two of us,” she said, beaming with excitement.
Though Anne Burrell is no longer with us, her legacy endures. She brought joy, confidence, and love into kitchens across the world. Her smile, her voice, and her fierce love for cooking will continue to inspire for generations to come.
