Anne Burrell Dies at 55: Worst Cooks in America Host Meets Tragic End Just One Day After Final Project Unveiled

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Famed chef and Food Network personality Anne Burrell has tragically passed away at the age of 55. This unfortunate event took place on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at her residence in Brooklyn, New York. Her representatives shared the news through a statement issued to PEOPLE magazine.

Anne Burrell is mourned by her husband Stuart Claxton, whom she wed in October 2021, along with his son Javier, her mother Marlene, her sister Jane, her daughters Isabella, Amelia, and son Nicolas, as well as her brother Ben.

According to a moving declaration from her family, Anne was cherished as a wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend. Her smile made every place she stepped into brighter. Not only did Anne’s light shine brightly among those close to her, but it also reached and warmed millions around the globe. Although she is now gone, the warmth of her character, her vibrant spirit, and her endless love will endure forever.

Anne Burrell gained fame primarily for her role as a consistent host on Food Network’s program “Worst Cooks in America.” Known for her distinctive spiked platinum tresses and vibrant character, she specialized in transforming culinary catastrophes into self-assured home cooks.

As a devoted enthusiast, I’ve had the privilege to host Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, serve as a sous chef on Iron Chef America, and appear in shows such as Chef Wanted, Chopped, Food Network Star, and more recently, House of Knives, which debuted in March 2025.

Here’s what made Anne Burrell a culinary icon

1969 saw the birth of Burrell in the town of Cazenovia, New York. From an early age, she nurtured a deep love for cooking. She then pursued studies in English and Communication at Canisius College. After this, her journey led her to the Culinary Institute of America, where she graduated in 1996.

Later on, she honed her skills in Italian cooking at the Foreigners’ Italian Culinary Institute in Italy, where her love for Italian culinary arts flourished. In New York City, she gained experience at prestigious restaurants such as Felidia under Lidia Bastianich and Savoy located in Soho.

Prior to her career as a television personality, she honed her teaching skills at the Institute of Culinary Education. Later, she captured viewers’ hearts with her unique teaching approach, enthusiasm, and exceptional cooking abilities on screen.

What was the final project announced a day before her death?

A day prior to her passing, it was announced that Burrell’s latest professional endeavor was underway. She teamed up with CareRite Centers to broaden their Signature Culinary Excellence program. This project aimed to recreate the authentic flavor of home in the dining areas of rehabilitation and nursing facilities.

As stated in the June 16 press announcement, “Chef Anne has become part of the CareRite family to infuse a genuine home-cooked flavor into every dining area and enhance the dining experience in healthcare settings by serving meals that nourish not just the body, but also the spirit.

The collaboration involved on-site culinary training for chefs at every CareRite center, empowering them to prepare Chef Anne’s signature dishes. This announcement is not just about a menu update; it signifies a transformation of our culture. With Chef Anne as our guide, the CareRite communities in Florida are crafting something truly exceptional.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d share that I, too, have penned two culinary guides: “Cook Like a Rock Star” (2011), which graced the New York Times Bestseller list, and “Own Your Kitchen.” It’s not just about cooking for me; I’m deeply committed to giving back. I’ve been an ardent supporter of City Harvest’s Food Council, served on the board of the Garden of Dreams Foundation, and acted as a celebrity ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

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2025-06-18 10:22