Anne Burrell, the celebrated Food Network personality and longtime host of Worst Cooks in America, died Tuesday morning at the age of 55 after being found unresponsive at her home in Brooklyn, New York, authorities and her family confirmed. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed, with the Office of Chief Medical Examiner expected to conduct an autopsy.
The New York City Police Department said officers from the 76th Precinct responded around 7:50 a.m. to reports of an "unconscious and unresponsive 55-year-old female." Emergency Medical Services pronounced her dead at the scene. Though police did not formally release her identity pending next-of-kin notification, the address given by law enforcement matched Burrell's, and her family later confirmed her passing in a public statement.
"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."
Burrell rose to prominence in the early 2000s and became a staple on food television with her spiky platinum hair, trademark laugh, and bold kitchen presence. She hosted Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, earning an Emmy nomination, and co-hosted Worst Cooks in America for 28 seasons. She also appeared on Iron Chef America, Chopped, Chef Wanted, and most recently on the 2025 Food Network competition House of Knives.
Burrell's culinary roots were grounded in Italian cuisine. Born on Sept. 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, she studied at the Culinary Institute of America and trained at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners before working at top New York restaurants including Felidia under Lidia Bastianich and Savoy in Soho.
The chef authored two cookbooks-Cook Like a Rock Star (2011), a New York Times bestseller, and Own Your Kitchen (2013). She was also active in philanthropy, serving on City Harvest's Food Council and working with the Garden of Dreams Foundation and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
The Food Network released a statement calling her "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."
Burrell was active on social media days before her death. Her final Instagram post featured a smiling photo with Elizabeth Eaton Rosenthal, the Green Lady of Brooklyn. "I ran into @greenladyofbrooklyn in my neighborhood today!! ... She is just lovely!!!" Burrell wrote.
Chef Franklin Becker, who dined with Burrell less than a week before her death, wrote on Instagram: "I am stunned... I simply cannot believe this. Anne was a gifted chef and a friend. No words."
Tyler Florence, who co-hosted Worst Cooks in America, also paid tribute: "Anne was a legendary chef and an even better friend. She brought her generous heart, humor and feisty spirit to everything she did. She will be deeply missed by the entire Florence Family."
Burrell is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married in 2021, his son Javier, her mother Marlene, and her siblings Jane and Ben.
