Anne Burrell, Beloved Food Network Star, Dies Suddenly at 55 in Brooklyn Home

Anne Burrell, renowned TV chef and host of "Worst Cooks in America", dies at age 55 at her Brooklyn home

Source: India Times

Introduction

Renowned TV chef and host of "Worst Cooks in America" was found dead in her Brooklyn, New York, home at age 55, on the morning of June 17, 2025.

Known for her distinctive “spiky” blonde hair and energetic, “rock‑star” cooking style, she was discovered unconscious and unresponsive when NYPD officers responded to a call, though the name wasn’t officially released, records and the address confirm it was Anne Burrell.

Food Network, where Burrell launched her two-decade television career on Iron Chef America and continued with numerous series, confirmed her passing. Early reports suggest a possible heart attack, but the official cause awaits autopsy results.

One of her last TV appearances was in April, when she cooked chicken Milanese topped with escarole salad on NBC’s Today. Earlier this year, she competed on Food Network’s House of Knives. On June 16—just the night before her death—she performed in an improv show at Second City New York in Brooklyn, reportedly in high spirits before her sudden passing. washingtonpost.com

Biography and Career

Early Life & Education

• Born September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York.

• Earned a BA in English and Communications from Canisius College in 1991, followed by an associate degree from the Culinary Institute of America in 1996. Studied culinary arts in Asti at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners. en.wikipedia.org

Professional Beginnings

• Spent nine months working in Italy at restaurants such as La Taverna del Lupo (Umbria) and Michelin‑starred La Bottega del ’30 (Tuscany).

• Returned to the U.S. to serve as a sous-chef at Lidia Bastianich’s Felidia and later chef at Savoy in Soho; taught at the Institute of Culinary Education.

• Served as executive chef at Lumi and Italian Wine Merchants, then Centro Vinoteca (2007–08), before transitioning to television. en.wikipedia.org

Television Career

• Began as Mario Batali’s sous-chef on Iron Chef America (2005).

• Hosted Secrets of a Restaurant Chef (2008–12) for nine seasons and 119 episodes.

• Co-hosted Worst Cooks in America from its 2010 debut, continuing into its final cycle, House of Knives (March 2025).

• Appeared in Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell (2012–13), won Chopped All-Stars in 2015, and featured on Beat Bobby Flay, Food Network Star, The Best Thing I Ever Ate, and more. washingtonpost.com

Published Books

• Cook Like a Rock Star (2010) – New York Times bestseller.

• Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire & Empower.

Other Ventures & Charity

• Opened Phil & Anne’s Good Time Lounge in Brooklyn in 2017 (closed 2018).

• Operated stadium concession kitchens, including “Anne Burrell’s Italian Eats” for the New York Mets.

• Served as ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and on the advisory board of the Garden of Dreams Foundation

Source: People.com

Family & Personal Life

She was publicly linked with chef Koren Grieveson (2010–12), then began a relationship with Stuart Claxton, marrying him on October 16, 2021.

They lived in Brooklyn with his son Javier (20), as well as their own children: Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas. She also had a brother, Ben, a mother, Marlene, and a sister, Jane. people.com

She adored her Maine Coon cats, Marcia and Nancy, and was frequently sharing cozy home photos. She frequently expressed her joy in marriage, and she stated: “I love being married… every day is an adventure.”

Reactions & Tributes

Her family said:

“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend—her smile lit up every room … Her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.” people.com

Food Network referred to her as:

“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.” washingtonpost.com

Peers, including Tyler Florence, Aarti Sequeira, Sunny Anderson, Buddy Valastro, Carla Hall, Shirley Chung, Gigi Hadid, Robert Irvine, and others praised her mentorship, energy, and passion. Highlights include:

• Tyler Florence on Instagram: “Anne had a collage of star tattoos … There’s a new star in the sky tonight.” vulture.com

  
  

• Shirley Chung and Elizabeth Falkner shared memories of meetings and plans, breathing new life, calling her presence “unforgettable”. pagesix.com.

Death & Legacy

Burrell was discovered at approximately 7:50 a.m. on June 17, 2025, after a 911 call reporting cardiac arrest. Emergency services pronounced her dead at the scene, with no signs of foul play; the official cause remains pending autopsy. people.com

Her vibrant energy during the improv show at Second City New York the night before heightens the shock of her sudden passing. eonline.com

Anne Burrell leaves behind an indelible legacy—an inspiring chef, mentor, beloved TV personality, author, and philanthropist. Her bold spirit transformed home cooks worldwide. As fans, friends, and family mourn, many say: without her, the shows—and the kitchens—will never feel the same.

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