Anne Burrell — the cherished chef recognized for her iconic spiky platinum hair, vibrant personality, and culinary talent — passed away on the morning of Tuesday, June 17, at her residence in Brooklyn, New York. She was 55 years old. Representatives for the star confirmed Burrell’s passing in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.
She is survived by her husband Stuart Claxton, whom she married on October 16, 2021, along with his son, Javier. Additionally, she leaves behind her mother, Marlene; sister, Jane; her children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas; and her brother Ben. “Anne was a treasured wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile brightened every space she entered,” her family expressed in a statement. “Anne’s light extended far beyond those she interacted with, impacting millions globally. Although she is no longer here, her warmth, spirit, and infinite love persist.”
A beloved figure on the Food Network, Burrell gained fame as the long-time host of Worst Cooks in America, where her dedication to food and mentorship transformed kitchen novices into skilled chefs. Her vibrant enthusiasm, distinctive laugh, and exceptional culinary abilities made her a prominent personality in the realm of food television.
Born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Burrell unearthed her passion for cooking at an early age, drawing inspiration from her mother’s homemade dishes and the legendary Julia Child. She initially studied English and Communication at Canisius College in Buffalo before embarking on a culinary journey at the renowned Culinary Institute of America, from which she graduated in 1996.
Burrell’s passion for Italian food took her to the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners, where she gained hands-on experience and cultivated a profound understanding of Italian culinary traditions. Upon her return to New York City, she joined the ranks of prestigious restaurants like Felidia under Lidia Bastianich and Savoy in Soho, where she refined her skills in Mediterranean cooking.
In the early 2000s, Burrell shifted her focus towards education at the Institute of Culinary Education and gradually ventured into the television realm. Food Network viewers first encountered Burrell as a sous chef on Iron Chef America. Her engaging personality and culinary expertise paved the way for her own Emmy-nominated series, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, which debuted in 2008 and ran for nine successful seasons.
Following this success, Burrell became a familiar face on Food Network, participating in shows such as Chef Wanted, Chopped, Food Network Star, and most recently, the competition series House of Knives, which premiered in March 2025.
Burrell wrote two cookbooks: the 2011 release Cook Like a Rock Star, which earned her a spot on the New York Times bestseller list, and Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire and Empower.
In addition to her culinary endeavors, she was passionately involved in philanthropy. Burrell was a member of the advisory board for the Garden of Dreams Foundation, acted as a celebrity ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and played an active role in City Harvest’s Food Council.
“I consider myself fortunate to share my genuine passion for life with others,” Burrell often expressed.
