When we lost Anne Burrell, the beloved chef and television personality, just a few days ago, we felt that tremendous loss throughout the culinary community. Early life She was born on September 21, 1969 in Cazenovia, New York. Her mother Marlene’s delicious home-cooked meals paired with the inspiration of iconic TV chef Julia Child, fired her early love of cooking.
Burrell established her culinary career in New York City. She practiced her craft at some of the best kitchens in America, working under other legendary chefs, like Lidia Bastianich. Her immense talent was no more apparent than when she helmed the kitchen at Savoy in SoHo. There, she created Mediterranean influenced menus that attracted locals and travelers alike. Her culinary expertise and charismatic personality quickly turned her into a media empire.
Burrell has been a television mainstay, as co-host of Food Network’s long-running “Worst Cooks in America.” By teaching cooking with unwavering gusto to the many who fear the flames, she’s become a transcendent and inspiring figure on the network. She was featured on several other programs, such as “Chopped,” “Chef Wanted,” and “Food Network Star.” Burrell glitters outside of her small-screen success. She wrote two cookbooks, the second of which, “Cook Like a Rock Star,” was a New York Times bestseller that established her firm culinary credentials.
In 2025, Burrell appeared on House of Knives, proving her unmatched dedication to culinary innovation. After spending several years in the restaurant industry, she transitioned to teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education, sharing her knowledge and passion with aspiring chefs.
Burrell married Stuart Claxton in October 2021, and is survived by her husband and their son, Xavier. She is survived by her mother Marlene, sister Jane, brother Ben and Jane’s children—Isabella, Amelia and Nicolas.
As to the manner of death, the City of New York Office of Chief Medical Examiner ruled Burrell’s death a suicide. This heartbreaking news shone a brighter light on the mental health crisis within the culinary world.
“Substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.” – National Library of Medicine
“Represents the most commonly used drug worldwide.” – National Institutes of Health
