Anne Burrell, Food Network Icon, Has Passed Away at 55 – Rest in Peace

Source: people

“Her light will never fade…”

Sad news has struck the culinary world — Anne Burrell, the bold and bubbly chef with that iconic spiky hair and fiery passion for food, has passed away at the age of 55. She died peacefully at her home in Brooklyn on June 17.

If you’ve ever tuned into Worst Cooks in America, you probably remember her booming laugh, wild energy, and heartwarming way of turning even the clumsiest cooks into kitchen pros.

More Than Just a TV Chef

Anne wasn’t just a TV personality — she was a mentor, wife, sister, stepmom, and a friend who brought light into every room. Her family shared:

“Her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.”

She leaves behind her husband Stuart Claxton, his son Javier, her mother Marlene, and her siblings. ❤️

From Small Town to Food Fame

Anne grew up in Cazenovia, New York, where her love for cooking began with her mom’s homemade dishes and watching the legendary Julia Child work her magic on TV. After studying English, she followed her true passion to the Culinary Institute of America, and later trained in Italy — which sparked her deep love for Italian cooking. 🇮🇹🍝

Anne’s restaurant journey included working alongside culinary icons like Lidia Bastianich before becoming a beloved face on the Food Network.

A Star Who Inspired Millions

She made her TV debut on Iron Chef America and quickly won hearts with her own show, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef. From that point on, she became a familiar face in kitchens across America, starring in hit shows like Chopped, Chef Wanted, Food Network Star, and most recently, House of Knives.

Let’s not forget her bestselling cookbooks, Cook Like a Rock Star and Own Your Kitchen, which helped home cooks everywhere feel confident and creative.

Giving Back

Anne didn’t stop at cooking. She used her fame for good, working with charities like City Harvest and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, always eager to help others.

A Life Full of Love and Flavor

She met the love of her life, Stuart, on Bumble in 2018 and tied the knot in 2021. ““I really enjoy being married,” she shared just last year with a smile.. Their bond was full of laughter, adventure, and closeness.

Anne Burrell’s zest for life, fierce talent, and big-hearted energy made her unforgettable. She taught us all to cook with courage and live with passion.

💬 Do you have a favorite memory or moment of Anne on TV? Drop it in the comments — let’s celebrate her together.