Anne Burrell has tragically died at the age of 55.
Burrell’s death was announced in a statement released by her family, who remembered her as a vibrant force in every room she entered.
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” they wrote. “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.”
The Worst Cooks in America host - known for her spiky hair and larger-than-life personality - was found unconscious at her Brooklyn apartment on Tuesday morning, June 17, PEOPLE reports.
She was later pronounced dead at the scene, according to the NYPD.
No cause of death has been confirmed at this time.
“A tremendous loss”: Tributes pour in from Food Network and fans
Food Network, where Burrell built her career as a fan-favorite TV chef and mentor, released a statement mourning the loss of one of its most beloved personalities.
“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,” the network said. “Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.”
Fans have also also flooded Burrell's final Instagram post with tributes, with one person writing: "This can't be true. Chef Anne you were vivacious, hilarious, full of life and reminded me of my Mom. I'm so so sorry. Rest with the Angels in Heaven and cook up a storm for us."
A second added: "You brought so much light to Food Network. Worst Cooks is still one of my favorite shows."
Another commented: "We will miss you Anne!"
From CIA to TV star: Anne Burrell’s rise to food fame
Born September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Anne Burrell’s love for food started early, inspired by her mom’s cooking and the charisma of Julia Child. She studied English and Communication at Canisius College before enrolling at the Culinary Institute of America, where she graduated in 1996.
She deepened her training in Italy at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners, later apprenticing in regional restaurants before returning to New York City.
There, she worked at elite restaurants like Lidia Bastianich’s Felidia and Soho’s Savoy, mastering Mediterranean techniques and building her culinary resume.
A TV breakout and a signature laugh that wouldn’t quit
Anne Burrell first appeared on Iron Chef America in the early 2000s, but it was Secrets of a Restaurant Chef — her Emmy-nominated solo series that launched in 2008 — that turned her into a Food Network powerhouse.
That show ran for nine seasons, but it was Worst Cooks in America that defined her legacy. Since 2010, she coached kitchen-challenged hopefuls across 28 seasons and nearly 200 episodes, with the show even spawning a celebrity edition.
She also appeared on Chopped, Food Network Star, Chef Wanted, and most recently, House of Knives, which premiered in March 2025.
Away from the cameras, Burrell authored two cookbooks: Cook Like a Rock Star in 2011, which became a New York Times bestseller, and Own Your Kitchen in 2013.
Offscreen, she was committed to philanthropy. She was a member of City Harvest’s Food Council, a celebrity ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and an advisory board member for the Garden of Dreams Foundation.
“I feel so lucky to be able to share my true passion in life with others,” Burrell was known to say.
Love found on Bumble
Burrell met PR executive Stuart Claxton on the dating site Bumble in 2018, and the couple tied the knot on October 16, 2021.
Speaking to PEOPLE in April 2023, Burrell glowed about married life: “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.”
Claxton, along with his son Javier, survives her, as do Burrell’s mother Marlene, her sister Jane and her children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas, and her brother Ben.
Our thoughts go out to Burrell's family, friends, and fans at this time.