Anne Burrell, a beloved Food Network star known for her spiky blonde hair, infectious laugh, and fearless approach to cooking, left an indelible mark on the culinary world.

Her sudden passing on June 17th, 2025, at age 55, shocked fans, colleagues, and the food community alike.

Anne Burrell, TV chef and coach on Worst Cooks in America, dead at 55 | CBC News
From transforming kitchen disasters on *Worst Cooks in America* to sharing authentic Italian recipes with unbridled joy, Anne inspired millions to embrace their inner chef.

This article pays tribute to her extraordinary life, exploring her cause of death, family, career, net worth, lifestyle, and enduring legacy.

 

Anne Burrell was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn home on June 17th, 2025.

Emergency responders arrived after a 911 call reported cardiac arrest, but despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The news stunned fans, especially since Anne had shared a radiant Instagram selfie just five days earlier, full of her trademark energy and joy.

An autopsy was pending to determine the official cause of death, and no major health concerns had been publicly disclosed prior to this tragedy, amplifying the shock.

 

Her family released a heartfelt statement describing Anne as a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, mother, and friend whose light radiated far beyond those who knew her personally.

Anne Burrell Dead: Food Network Host & Celebrity Chef Was 55
The Food Network and fellow chefs like Bobby Flay and Alex Guarnaschelli mourned the loss of a vibrant star whose impact extended well beyond the kitchen.

Fans found solace in revisiting her recipes and reruns, keeping her spirit alive through the joy she brought to cooking.

 

Born on September 21, 1969, in Kazanovia, New York, Anne grew up in a close-knit family grounded by her parents Steve, an engineer, and Marlene.

Alongside her siblings Jane and Ben, Anne’s love for food was nurtured early by her mother’s hearty home cooking and the influence of Julia Child’s television charisma.

Initially pursuing a bachelor’s degree in English and communications from Kisius College in Buffalo, Anne’s heart ultimately led her to the kitchen.

 

She enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America, graduating in 1996, and further honed her skills at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners in Asti, Italy.

There, she immersed herself in regional Italian cooking traditions and mastered techniques at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Tuscany.

Returning to New York, Anne worked as a sous chef at Felidia under Lydia Bastianich and later at Seavoi in Soho, sharpening her culinary prowess.

Anne Burrell Dead, Food Network Worst Cooks in America, Cause of Death

Anne’s larger-than-life personality caught the attention of TV producers while she was teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York.

In 2005, Mario Batali recruited her as a sous chef for *Iron Chef America*, thrusting her into the spotlight.

Her charisma and expertise led to her own show, *Secrets of a Restaurant Chef* (2008–2012), earning an Emmy nomination for its fresh take on home cooking.

 

In 2010, *Worst Cooks in America* debuted, cementing Anne as a fan favorite for her tough love coaching style that transformed culinary disasters into edible triumphs.

Over 27 seasons, she inspired countless home cooks with her mantra, “Brown food tastes good,” and her relentless enthusiasm.

Anne also competed on *Next Iron Chef* (2011) and won *Chopped All-Stars* (2015), donating her $75,000 prize to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

 

Anne’s personal life was marked by love and devotion to her blended family.

Food Network Star Anne Burrell Dead at 55
She married Stuart Claxton, an ad executive, in a picturesque ceremony on October 16, 2021, at Windidge Estates Red Barn in Kazanovia.

The couple met via Bumble in 2018 and deepened their bond during the COVID-19 quarantine, retreating to Anne’s family home.

Stuart brought a son, Javier, from a previous marriage, and Anne embraced her role as a devoted stepmother.

 

Anne was also a mother to three biological children—Isabella, Amelia, and Nicholas—whom she fiercely protected from public scrutiny to give them a normal life away from the cameras.

Her family’s statement after her passing highlighted the deep love Anne had for her children and stepson, painting a picture of a nurturing and grounded woman who prioritized family above fame.

 

Before Stuart, Anne was engaged to chef Corin Greaveson from 2012 to 2018 and was openly proud of her LGBTQ+ identity.

She never hid her sexuality and lived authentically, becoming a role model for many in the community.

Anne Burrell, Food Network Star, Dies at 55

Anne’s career spanned decades of television shows, cookbooks, and mentorship roles.

Beyond her TV presence, she served as executive chef at Centro Veninoka and Italian wine merchants connected to prominent restaurateurs.

Her two cookbooks, *Cook Like a Rockstar* (2011) and *Own Your Kitchen*, became New York Times bestsellers, packed with accessible recipes and her signature pep talks.

 

In 2017, Anne opened Phil and Anne’s Good Time Lounge in Brooklyn, a bold venture blending Italian and American comfort food.

Though it closed after a year due to high costs, the restaurant earned buzz for its flavors and reflected Anne’s passion for culinary innovation.

 

Anne’s teaching role at the Institute of Culinary Education allowed her to mentor aspiring chefs, while endorsements and charity work supplemented her income.

Her philanthropy included work with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, City Harvest, and the Garden of Dreams Foundation, reflecting a commitment to giving back.

Anne Burrell Cause of Death: Food Network Star May Have Suffered From Cardiac Arrest

Anne’s lifestyle was a vibrant mix of culinary passion, family devotion, and philanthropy.

She lived in Brooklyn with Stuart, Javier, and her children, balancing a demanding TV career with cherished home moments.

Her spiky blonde hair and boisterous laugh became iconic symbols of her rockstar persona, lighting up sets and kitchens alike.

 

Off camera, Anne was a homebody who loved cooking for her family, often testing Italian recipes inspired by her time in Piedmont, Italy.

In 2017, she underwent a weight loss transformation, adopting healthier eating habits and disciplined gym routines, maintaining a fit and energetic presence.

 

Anne’s love for Kazanovia shone during the pandemic when she and Stuart retreated there, reconnecting with her roots.

Her tireless advocacy for hunger relief and children’s causes cemented her legacy as both a culinary and humanitarian icon.

Food Network star Anne Burrell dies at the age of 55: 'Her boundless love remains eternal' | HELLO!

Anne’s final public appearance was an improv comedy show on June 16th, 2025, where she had audiences roaring with laughter, showcasing her versatility beyond the kitchen.

Fans praised her for teaching confidence and making cooking feel fearless, celebrating her unmatched energy and joyful approach.

 

Her legacy is one of grit, passion, and unstoppable joy.

Anne Burrell empowered millions to cook with confidence, love fiercely, and live boldly.

From teaching the perfect sear to embracing mistakes, her lessons resonate in kitchens worldwide.

 

Anne Burrell’s sudden passing leaves a void in the culinary world, but her spirit and influence endure.

She was more than a chef or TV personality; she was a force of nature who inspired joy and confidence in cooking and life.

As fans and loved ones remember her infectious laugh and fearless heart, Anne’s kitchen magic will never fade.

 

Rest in peace, Anne Burrell — your legacy is a recipe for inspiration that will continue to nourish hearts and kitchens for generations to come.

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