Celebrity

Chef Anne Burrell Dead At 55—Cooking Community Mourns Iconic TV Personality

The 55-year-old culinary celebrity, who was well-known for her spiky blond hair and lively demeanour on the Food Network, has away.

On the morning of Tuesday, June 17, 2025, rescue personnel discovered famous chef Anne Burrell unconscious in her Brooklyn home, according to TMZ.

Despite their best efforts, paramedics were unable to revive her. At the scene, she was declared deceased. To ascertain the cause of death, an autopsy is anticipated to be performed by the city medical examiner.

Stuart Claxton, Burrell’s husband, and his son Javier survived her. Her siblings, Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas, as well as her mother, Marlene, sister, Jane, and brother, Ben, are all left behind.

In a statement, her family said, “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.”

Even in her last days, she maintained her public persona and her usual joy, demonstrating her warmth.

Just five days before her death, Burrell shared a cheerful post on Instagram on June 12, “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”

In an interview with TastingTable in April, she shared what would turn out to be one of her last in-depth thoughts on her culinary philosophy.

Burrell’s approach on and off screen was influenced by her discussion of the emotional bond between a cook and their cuisine. “I truly in my heart feel that your food knows how you’re feeling when you cook it and it reacts accordingly,” she stated.

Cooking should be fun, not scary, in her opinion. When working with novices on “Worst Cooks in America,” she placed a strong emphasis on fostering a positive atmosphere. By emphasising enjoyment over fear, she aimed to give individuals confidence in the kitchen. Her approach was positive, and she inspired others to view mistakes as a necessary component of learning.

She also valued discipline and preparation. “Find a recipe for it. Don’t just try to wing it. Find a recipe, read several recipes and pick out the one that you feel most comfortable with or the one that you like the best, and then read it from beginning to end before you start cooking,” she advised.

Burrell stressed the importance of maintaining order in the kitchen. To lessen stress and maintain a seamless procedure, she suggested mise en place, or prepping all components ahead of time, and cleaning as you go. This method makes cooking more peaceful and helps prevent a mess. She also emphasised the importance of tasting food while cooking to guarantee the right flavour.

Burrell’s commitment to encouragement, authenticity, and sharing her passion was evident both in her final interview and in her casual interactions with fans. In January, when asked on Instagram why she wasn’t appearing on the “Worst Cooks in America,” she responded candidly, “Honestly I don’t know.”

In addition to “Worst Cooks in America,” the Cazenovia native was widely recognized for hosting “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef,” “All-Star Best Thing I Ever Ate,” and “Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell.” She also made appearances on “Iron Chef America.”

She earned a reputation for her enthusiastic teaching style and unreserved culinary flair after graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in 1996.

In addition to her career accomplishments, Burrell frequently talked about how happy she was in her personal life. In an interview with People in March 2023, she and her spouse, Claxton, discussed their relationship.

Burrell shared, “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 remarked, “It’s been wonderful, to say the least.”

While in quarantine with her family in Cazenovia, New York, the couple got engaged in April 2020 after meeting on Bumble in 2018. In October 2021, they were married at Windridge Estates Redbarn 20 in front of their loved ones and close friends, including TV personalities and other Food Network chefs.

Chef Anne Burrell Dies at 55
Food Network Star Remembered for Her Joy, Passion, and Impact

Beloved celebrity chef Anne Burrell, known for her spiky blond hair and lively spirit on the Food Network, passed away at age 55. She was found unconscious at her Brooklyn home on June 17, 2025, and was pronounced dead at the scene despite paramedics’ efforts. An autopsy will determine the cause of death.

Burrell is survived by her husband Stuart Claxton, his son Javier, and several close family members. In a statement, her family shared, “Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered.”

Just five days before her death, Burrell posted on Instagram, expressing excitement about meeting a local figure: “I may or may not have followed her down the street for a minute. She is just lovely!!! #ilovewhatido #luckygirl”

Burrell believed cooking should be joyful and approachable. In an April interview, she said, “I truly in my heart feel that your food knows how you’re feeling when you cook it and it reacts accordingly.” She encouraged beginners to find recipes they’re comfortable with and emphasized, “Don’t just try to wing it… read it from beginning to end before you start cooking.”

She also advocated for kitchen organization and tasting throughout the cooking process. Her supportive style on shows like Worst Cooks in America helped many gain confidence. Burrell also hosted Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, Chef Wanted, and appeared on Iron Chef America.