Anne Burrell, the cherished chef renowned for her iconic platinum spikes, magnetic personality, and unparalleled culinary prowess, passed away peacefully at her Brooklyn, New York, residence on the morning of Tuesday, June 17th, at the age of 55. She leaves behind a loving family that includes her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married on October 16, 2021, and his son, Javier, alongside her devoted mother, Marlene, her sister, Jane, her beloved children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas, and her brother Ben.
"Anne was a beloved spouse, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend whose radiant smile illuminated every corner she entered," her family mournfully stated. "Her luminous spirit transcended the boundaries of her personal circle, touching the hearts of millions worldwide. Though she has departed from our physical realm, her warmth, spirit, and boundless affection endure eternally."
A fan-favorite on the Food Network, Burrell was best known for her long-standing role as the host of "Worst Cooks in America," where her infectious passion for food and mentorship transformed kitchen disasters into budding culinary talents. Her contagious enthusiasm, signature laughter, and formidable kitchen skills made her a standout figure in the world of food television.
Born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Burrell's love for cooking blossomed early, inspired by her mother's homemade meals and the television legend, Julia Child. She embarked on her academic journey at Canisius College in Buffalo, studying English and Communication, before pursuing her culinary aspirations at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, from which she graduated in 1996.
Burrell's fascination with Italian cuisine led her to the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners, where she underwent apprenticeships and gained a profound appreciation for the philosophies of Italian cooking. Upon returning to New York City, she honed her skills in Mediterranean cuisine at acclaimed restaurants such as Felidia, under the mentorship of Lidia Bastianich, and Savoy in Soho.
In the early 2000s, Burrell transitioned into teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education and eventually ventured into television. Food Network viewers first encountered Burrell as a sous chef on "Iron Chef America." Her charisma and culinary expertise propelled her to star in her own Emmy-nominated show, "Secrets of a Restaurant Chef," which premiered in 2008 and aired for nine seasons.
From there, Burrell became a staple of the Food Network, also appearing on "Chef Wanted," "Chopped," "Food Network Star," and most recently, the competition series "House of Knives," which premiered in March 2025. Burrell authored two cookbooks: "Cook Like a Rock Star" in 2011, which propelled her to New York Times bestseller status, and "Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire and Empower."
Beyond the kitchen, Burrell was deeply committed to philanthropy. She served on the advisory board of the Garden of Dreams Foundation, was a celebrity ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and was a dedicated member of City Harvest’s Food Council. "I feel incredibly fortunate to share my true passion in life with others," Burrell was fond of saying.
Burrell and Claxton met on Bumble in 2018. "I have to admit, I adore being married," she exclusively shared with PEOPLE during City Harvest's 40th Anniversary Gala in April 2023. "We're inseparable because Stuart works from home. It's not just about being together all the time, but about embarking on adventures together."
