Beloved TV Chef Anne Burrell Passes Away at 55

NEW YORK -- Renowned television chef Anne Burrell, best known for her role as a mentor on the Food Network's hit series "Worst Cooks in America," has passed away at her home in New York at the age of 55. The Food Network announced her death, though details regarding the cause have yet to be disclosed, pending an autopsy by medical examiners.

Authorities responded to a call at her residence early Tuesday morning, where they discovered an unresponsive woman who was later declared deceased. Although the police did not initially identify her, records confirmed it was Burrell's address.

Burrell remained active in the culinary scene until recently, showcasing her cooking skills on NBC's "Today" show as recently as April, where she prepared chicken Milanese with escarole salad. Earlier that spring, she also participated in the Food Network's "House of Knives," competing against other prominent chefs.

The Food Network expressed its condolences, noting, "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." Known for her vibrant personality, distinctive spiky platinum-blonde hair, and straightforward yet flavorful cooking style, Burrell became a beloved figure in the culinary world.

Since the premiere of "Worst Cooks in America" in 2010, Burrell and her co-hosts guided inept cooks through a rigorous culinary education, leading to many memorable moments, including contestants presenting unusual dishes such as cod with cayenne pepper and peanut butter. Burrell often commented on the challenges of tasting these unique creations, which provided both humor and insight into the contestants' journeys.

After an impressive run of 27 seasons on the show, Burrell made her final appearance in 2024. She had a passion for teaching and often expressed her desire to help others overcome their culinary obstacles. In a past interview, she emphasized her love for teaching, stating that her mission was to help people break free from bad habits in the kitchen.

Born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Burrell grew up in a family that owned a flower shop. She obtained a degree in English and communications from Canisius University, initially working as a headhunter before pursuing her passion for cooking. After realizing her true calling, she enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America, where she later became an instructor.

Burrell quickly rose to prominence in the culinary field, hosting her own show, "Secrets of a Restaurant Chef," on the Food Network by 2007. Throughout her career, she authored two cookbooks: "Cook Like a Rock Star" and "Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire and Empower." Additionally, she was actively involved in charitable initiatives, including food pantries and campaigns for juvenile diabetes awareness.

Her culinary preferences were refreshingly simple; she often cited bacon as her favorite food and reminisced fondly about her mother's tuna fish sandwiches. Burrell believed that cooking should be enjoyable rather than intimidating, advocating for the nurturing aspect of preparing meals.

Survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married in 2021, along with his son, her mother, and her two siblings, Burrell's impact on the culinary community will be remembered fondly. Her family released a statement saying, "Anne's light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world."