Anne Burrell, the spirited celebrity chef known for her spiky platinum hair and no-nonsense charm in the kitchen, has died at age 55. Her passing was confirmed Tuesday morning, June 17, at her home in Brooklyn, New York.
Burrell’s family shared a heartfelt tribute, remembering her as a vibrant presence whose warmth and love touched people far beyond her inner circle. “Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world. Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal,” they wrote in a statement.
Burrell leaves behind her husband Stuart Claxton, whom she married in October 2021, along with his son Javier. She is also survived by her mother Marlene, her sister Jane, her children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas, and her brother Ben.
A fixture on the Food Network, Burrell became a household name hosting Worst Cooks in America, where she helped culinary hopefuls transform their kitchen disasters into respectable dishes. Her contagious laugh and fierce mentorship style made her a fan favorite.
Born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Burrell’s love of food was rooted in her childhood, inspired by her mother’s home-cooked meals and the legendary Julia Child. After earning a degree in English and Communication at Canisius College, she pursued culinary training at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, graduating in 1996.
Her passion for Italian cuisine took her to Italy, where she completed apprenticeships through the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners. Back in New York, she sharpened her skills in some of the city’s top restaurants, including Felidia under Lidia Bastianich and Savoy in Soho.
In the early 2000s, Burrell stepped into the classroom as a culinary instructor and later found herself in front of the camera on Iron Chef America as a sous chef. That exposure led to her own show, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, which premiered in 2008 and ran for nine successful seasons.
She continued to dominate food television with appearances on Chef Wanted, Chopped, Food Network Star, and most recently, House of Knives, which debuted in March 2025.
Burrell also made her mark as an author. Her 2011 cookbook Cook Like a Rock Star became a New York Times bestseller, followed by Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire and Empower.
Beyond her culinary success, she was known for her generous spirit and philanthropic efforts. She worked closely with organizations like the Garden of Dreams Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and City Harvest, where she served on the Food Council.
In a 2023 interview at the City Harvest 40th Anniversary Gala, Burrell opened up about her joy in marriage. She met her husband Stuart on Bumble in 2018 and gushed about their life together: “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.”