Renowned Chef Anne Burrell Passes Away at 55
The culinary world is in mourning today as it was announced that Anne Burrell, the celebrated chef and Food Network star, died on Tuesday, June 17, at her home in Brooklyn, New York. She was 55 years old. According to a report obtained by PEOPLE, Burrell’s representatives confirmed her passing.
Burrell was a beloved figure in the culinary industry, known for her signature spiky platinum hair, larger-than-life personality, and exceptional cooking skills. As PEOPLE reports, she is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married on October 16, 2021, as well as her son, Javier, and her children, Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas. Her mother, Marlene, sister, Jane, and brother, Ben, also survive her.
In a statement released by her family, as quoted by PEOPLE, Burrell was remembered as a "beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend." The statement continued, "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."
Burrell was a staple on the Food Network, hosting the popular show "Worst Cooks in America," where she mentored aspiring cooks and helped them develop their culinary skills. Her infectious enthusiasm, signature laugh, and impressive kitchen skills made her a standout in the world of food television, as noted by PEOPLE.
Born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Burrell developed a passion for cooking at a young age, inspired by her mother’s home-cooked meals and television icon, Julia Child. She studied English and Communication at Canisius College in Buffalo before pursuing a culinary career at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, where she graduated in 1996.
Burrell’s love of Italian cuisine led her to the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners, where she completed apprenticeships and developed a deep appreciation for the philosophies of Italian cooking. She worked at acclaimed restaurants, including Felidia under Lidia Bastianich and Savoy in Soho, where she honed her craft in Mediterranean cuisine.
In the early 2000s, Burrell transitioned into teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education and eventually made her way to television. Food Network audiences first met Burrell as a sous chef on "Iron Chef America." Her charisma and culinary expertise led to her own Emmy-nominated show, "Secrets of a Restaurant Chef," which premiered in 2008 and ran for nine seasons.
Burrell also appeared on various Food Network shows, including "Chef Wanted," "Chopped," "Food Network Star," and most recently, the competition series "House of Knives," which premiered in March 2025. She authored two cookbooks: 2011’s "Cook Like a Rock Star," which made her a New York Times bestseller, and "Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire and Empower."
Outside the kitchen, Burrell was deeply committed to philanthropy, serving on the advisory board of the Garden of Dreams Foundation, being a celebrity ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and being a dedicated member of City Harvest’s Food Council. As PEOPLE reported, Burrell and her husband, Stuart Claxton, met on Bumble in 2018 and were still together until her passing. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE during City Harvest’s 40th Anniversary Gala in April 2023, Burrell expressed her happiness about being married, saying, "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."
As the culinary world continues to mourn the loss of this exceptional chef, her legacy will live on through her numerous television appearances, cookbooks, and the countless lives she touched through her philanthropic work. (Source: PEOPLE)
