Celebrity Chef Anne Burrell Dies at 55, Remembered for ‘Worst Cooks in America’

The Culinary World Mourns the Loss of Chef Anne Burrell at 55

The Food Network community and fans around the globe are mourning the tragic and sudden passing of Anne Burrell, the charismatic chef and beloved host of Worst Cooks in America. She died at the age of 55 in her Brooklyn home on Tuesday, June 17, according to a family statement released to the press.

“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” her family said. “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 cause of death has not been publicly shared.

A Life Rich in Flavor, Passion, and Impact
Anne Burrell leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the culinary world. She is survived by her mother, Marlene; her sister, Jane; her husband, Stuart Claxton—whom she married in a touching ceremony in October 2021—and her stepson, Javier.

Burrell’s rise to fame began with her role as Mario Batali’s sous chef during the pilot episode of Iron Chef America. From 2005 to 2009, she was a key presence on the show, helping define the competitive spirit that came to characterize Food Network programming.

In 2008, she took center stage with Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, a series that demystified professional cooking and empowered home chefs to elevate their skills.

Her most iconic role, however, began in 2010 when she became the sharp, spirited mentor on Worst Cooks in America. With humor and determination, she guided amateur cooks through challenges, becoming a beloved fixture in kitchens across the country for more than a decade.

An Unexpected Absence That Left Fans Wondering
Viewers began to take notice when Anne Burrell did not appear in the latest season of Worst Cooks in America. In January, she addressed a concerned fan’s question on Instagram with honesty, though without offering specifics:

💬 “Uuuuughhh… I know. And I don’t know,” she replied, hinting at her absence but choosing to keep the reasons private.

When another fan expressed how much she was missed on the show, Burrell warmly replied that she would “so try” to return for the next season — a promise that, sadly, will now go unfulfilled.

A Passion for New Adventures, Cut Short Too Soon
In the months leading up to her death, Burrell was exploring new creative outlets. In March, she excitedly shared an update with fans: she had enrolled in an improv course at Second City New York.

“OK… sooooooo a little update into the ‘Anne Burrell’ world,” she wrote. “I know I have been kinda quiet of late. BUT I am taking ‘Improv for Actors’ at @secondcitynyc!!! Can I just say it is SO much fun and I am learning so SO much!!! It really helps me get out of my shell… as if I needed that!!”

Her joy was unmistakable — a woman still discovering new passions, eager to grow and push herself creatively, even outside the kitchen.

A Final Glimpse Into Her Everyday Joy
Burrell’s last Instagram post, dated June 12, offered a charming and personal window into her daily life. She shared a selfie with the “Green Lady of Brooklyn,” a local figure she had long hoped to meet.

“I ran into @greenladyofbrooklyn in my neighborhood today!! I’m not going to lie — I have been keeping an eye out for her,” Burrell wrote. “I may or may not have followed her down the street for a minute. She is just lovely!!!”

It was a light, joyful moment — a reminder of Anne’s kindness, humor, and love for the little things that made life special.

Honoring Anne Burrell’s Memory
Anne Burrell was much more than a celebrity chef — she was a mentor, a bright light in the culinary world, and a source of inspiration to aspiring cooks everywhere. Her infectious laugh, signature spiked blonde hair, and fearless kitchen presence left an indelible mark on viewers and students alike.

As friends, fans, and colleagues reflect on her legacy, what shines through is the genuine warmth she brought to everything she did — on screen and off.

Though her journey has ended too soon, the joy and passion Anne brought to her work will continue to uplift and inspire for years to come.