We are heartbroken that legendary chef-chef Anne Burrell has left us. She was 54 years old, a longtime co-host of Food Network’s “Worst Cooks in America.” The City of New York Office of Chief Medical Examiner ruled Burrell’s death a suicide. Her death has been felt deeply by her family and friends. Not just her friends and family, millions of viewers who loved her cooking and exuberant personality are devastated.
Born on September 21, 1969 in Cazenovia, New York, Burrell grew up around the culinary arts. Her mother Marlene’s home-cooked meals ignited her love for food and serving people. Encouraged by the iconic chef Julia Child, her curiosity led her to culinary school and ultimately turned her into a household name and television star chef.
Burrell was a staple figure on the Food Network, appearing in various shows, including “Chopped,” “Chef Wanted,” and “Food Network Star.” Her magnetic energy and unyielding passion for the practice melted hearts, cultivators, and cooks alike, and this made her one of the network’s culinary family’s most beloved members.
Her work extended beyond television. She honed her expanded culinary talents in the frenetic kitchens of New York City. She really blossomed there under the mentorship of celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich. She would go on to run the kitchen at Savoy in SoHo, turning out Mediterranean-inspired dishes with wood oven fire-kissed flavors. After years in the restaurant industry, Burrell transitioned to teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education, where she shared her knowledge and passion for cooking with aspiring chefs.
On top of her booming television and cooking business, in 2009 Burrell released her first cookbook. Her book Cook Like a Rock Star quickly climbed to number one on the New York Times bestseller list. It showcases her distinct cooking aesthetic and leverages on her fans, who can’t wait to recreate her iconic recipes at home.
Burrell’s final public appearance was in 2025. She proved her fierce, competitive spirit on the world stage during her time on “House of Knives.” Her loss will be deeply felt, but her legacy will live on through all of her fans and friends in the culinary world.
She is survived by her husband Stuart Claxton, whom she married in October 2021, and his son Javier. She is survived by her mother Marlene, sister Jane, and niece and nephews Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas.
