Food Network Star Anne Burrell Dead at 55 — Family Says Chef's 'Smile Lit Up Every Room She Entered' in Emotional Statement
Chef Anne Burrell has died aged 55.
June 17 2025, Published 5:32 p.m. ET
Beloved chef and Food Network star Anne Burrell has passed away, RadarOnline.com can reveal.
Burrell died at the age of 55 at her Brooklyn, New York, home on Tuesday, June 17. A cause of death has not been released at this time.
Family Statement
Burrell died at her Brooklyn home on Tuesday, June 17.
The chef's family reportedly confirmed her death in a statement, saying: "Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered.
"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 is survived by her three children, Isabella, Amelia and Nicolas, as well as her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married in October 2021, his son Javier; her mother, Marlene; and siblings Jane and Ben.
Culinary Journey
Burrell trained at the Culinary Institute of America and he Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners.
Burrell's passion for cooking was said to be inspired by her mother and Julia Child.
After earning a Bachelor's degree in English and Communications in 1991, Burrell pivoted careers and enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America, where she graduated from in 1996.
She went on to complete apprenticeships at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners.
The chef remained in Italy for nine months honing her craft before moving back to her native New York, where she worked at several famed NYC restaurants, including chef Lidia Bastianich's Felidia and Savoy.
Burrell is survived by her three children, mother, siblings and husband Stuart Claxton.
Following her stints at Felidia and Savoy, Burrell began teaching the next generation of chefs at the Institute of Culinary Education.
She was then tapped to be the chef at Italian Wine Merchants, a wine store founded by Bastianich's son and restaurateur Joseph Bastianich and Michelin star chef Mario Batali.
In 2005, Burrell was introduced to Food Network viewers when Batali asked her to serve as one of his sous chefs for the taping of the pilot episode of Iron Chef America.
Burrell quickly became a fan favorite and remained Batali's sous chef for the rest of the season.
'Worst Cooks in America' Absence
Burrell's first solo show, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, aired on the network in 2008. She then began appearing on other network series, including Best Thing I Ever Ate.
In 2010, Worst Cooks in America debuted with Burrell and chef Beau MacMillan. She won the first season with her "recruit" Rachel Coleman – and was featured on every season until this year, when the show announced a new twist with Cooks in America Celebrity Edition: Heroes Vs. Villains, which features reality TV stars.
Fans were quick to ask Burrell about her absence on social media.
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Last Instagram Post
Burrell shared a selfie with the Green Lady of Brooklyn on Instagram five days before her death.
An Instagram user commented on a post from January 10, asking: "Why aren’t you in Worst Cooks? It’s not the same."
Burrell replied: "Honestly I don’t know. 🤷🏼♀️😑❤️."
She made her last Instagram post five days before her death, sharing a selfie with the Green Lady of Brooklyn.
The TV star beamed in the photo, which she captioned: "I ran into @greenladyofbrooklyn in my neighborhood today!! I’m not going to lie- I have been keeping an eye out for her. I may or may not have followed her down the street for a minute. She is just lovely!!! #ilovewhatido #luckygirl 💚💚💚."
