Food Network Star Anne Burrell Dead at 55: ‘Her Smile Lit Up Every Room She Entered’

The culinary world is mourning the loss of chef Anne Burrell.

The beloved Food Network star — best known as the host of Worst Cooks in America — passed away on Tuesday, June 17 at her home in Brooklyn. She was just 55 years old.

“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” her family said in a statement obtained by People.

“Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world,” the statement continued. “Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.”

After learning of the heartbreaking news, fans immediately took to social media to share their shock and sadness.

“This one hurts,” one wrote on Instagram.

“I am so devastated by this. Although I obviously didn’t know Chef Anne personally, I felt like I did. What a loss, I am just so sad,” a second fan posted.

Added another, “Oh no!!! Great Chef! Great person … so young! Fly high and RIP.”

“RIP to this icon! Worst Cooks is my favorite Food Network show, grew up watching it so thank you Anne for all the memories! Always on the red team!” a fourth commented.

Known for her signature spiky blond hair, Burrell got her start on TV in 2005 as a sous chef on Iron Chef America. She went on to star in the Emmy-nominated cooking series Secrets of a Restaurant Chef before becoming a Food Network icon, thanks to appearances in shows like Chef Wanted, Chopped, Food Network Star and House of Knives, which debuted in March.

Burrell is survived by her husband Stuart Claxton — who she married in October 2021 in her hometown of Cazenovia, New York — as well as his son, Javier, her mother Marlene, and sister, Jane.

In 2023, Burrell gushed to People about married life. “We’re together all the time because Stuart works from home. It’s the being together all the time, but it’s also the adventure together,” she said. “I love being married.”