Anne Burrell, Food Network host and celebrity chef, dies at 55, her family says

Anne Burrell, a celebrity chef and beloved Food Network host, died Tuesday morning at her home in Brooklyn, N.Y., according to her family. She was 55.

“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” her family said in a statement obtained by People. “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.”

Burrell began her television cooking career as a sous chef on Iron Chef America in 2005. She went on to host her own series, Food Network’s Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, for nine seasons from 2008 until 2012, before becoming the longtime host of Worst Cooks in America, where she helped amateur cooks hone their skills. Burrell went on to star in several more shows for the network, including Chef Wanted, Chopped, Food Network Star and, most recently, House of Knives.

“Anne was a remarkable person and culinary talent — teaching, competing and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring. Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss,” a statement from the Food Network said.

Burrell shared her final Instagram post on June 12. The celebrity chef, who was also a New York native, posted about running into Elizabeth Sweetheart, 84, an artist known as the “Green Lady of Brooklyn.”

“I ran into @greenladyofbrooklyn in my neighborhood today!! I’m not going to lie- I have been keeping an eye out for her. I may or may not have followed her down the street for a minute. She is just lovely!!! #ilovewhatido #luckygirl 💚💚💚” wrote Burrell.

Burrell is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, who she married in October 2021, her stepson, Javier, her mother, Marlene, along with her sister, Jane, her children Isabella, Amelia and Nicolas, and her brother Ben.