Anne Burrell, Beloved Food Network Star, Dies at 55

Anne Burrell, the spiky-haired chef with a heart as big as her laugh, has died at age 55. The Food Network favorite passed away at her Brooklyn home on Tuesday morning, June 17, according to a statement released by her representatives.

Known for her fiery personality, platinum-blonde hair, and unapologetic love of cooking, Burrell was a household name thanks to her work on shows like Worst Cooks in America and Secrets of a Restaurant Chef. Fans adored her for turning culinary disasters into confident home cooks — always with her signature enthusiasm and fierce mentorship.

Burrell is survived by her husband Stuart Claxton, his son Javier, her mother Marlene, her sister Jane and her children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas, and her brother Ben.

“Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world,” her family said in a heartfelt statement. “Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.”

Born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Burrell discovered her passion for food early, inspired by her mother’s home-cooked meals and the larger-than-life presence of Julia Child on television. After earning a degree in English and Communication from Canisius College, she followed her true calling to the Culinary Institute of America, graduating in 1996.

Her love for Italian food took her overseas to the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners, where she completed hands-on apprenticeships and deepened her passion for rustic Mediterranean cooking. Back in New York, she worked in high-profile kitchens like Lidia Bastianich’s Felidia and Savoy in SoHo, sharpening her skills before eventually stepping into the spotlight.

Food Network viewers were first introduced to Burrell as a sous chef on Iron Chef America, but her breakout moment came with Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, which earned an Emmy nomination and ran for nine seasons. Her star continued to rise with appearances on Chef Wanted, Chopped, Food Network Star, and, most recently, the 2025 premiere of House of Knives.

Beyond the screen, Burrell authored two bestselling cookbooks — Cook Like a Rock Star and Own Your Kitchen — and used her platform to give back. She supported numerous charitable causes, including the Garden of Dreams Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and City Harvest, where she served on the Food Council.

Off-camera, Burrell found happiness in her personal life with Stuart Claxton, whom she met on Bumble in 2018. The couple tied the knot in a fairytale ceremony in 2021. Just last year, she gushed about married life during an appearance at City Harvest’s 40th Anniversary Gala.

“I have to say, I love being married,” she said at the time. “It’s the being together all the time, but it’s also the adventure together.”

Anne Burrell brought joy, humor, and heart to everything she did — whether she was mentoring rookie chefs or celebrating life’s everyday pleasures. Her legacy will continue to inspire in kitchens everywhere.