Food Network star Anne Burrell died on Tuesday in her Brooklyn, New York, home, according to People. She was 55 years old.
The news of Anne’s death was announced in a statement from her family that was obtained by the outlet.
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend– her smile lit up every room she entered,” Anne’s family said in the statement. “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.”
According to TMZ, paramedics were called to Anne’s home on Tuesday morning after she was found unresponsive inside.
“Paramedics were unable to revive Burrell and declared her dead. The medical examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine her cause of death,” the website stated.
No cause of death has been released as of press time.
Anne is survived by her husband Stuart Claxton– whom she met on a dating app in 2018 and went on to wed in 2021– as well as her stepson Javier, her mother Marlene and other family members.
Years before her Food Network debut, Anne graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1996 before going on to complete apprenticeships at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners. Afterwards, she returned to New York, where she worked at acclaimed restaurants and later transitioned to teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education.
Anne made her Food Network debut as a sous chef on Iron Chef America and in 2008, she landed her own Emmy-nominated series on the network, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, which aired for nine seasons.
Anne went on to appear on multiple Food Network series over the years, including Worst Cooks in America, Chef Wanted, Chopped, Food Network Star and House of Knives– the latter of which premiered in March.
In addition to her culinary and hosting credits, Anne authored two cookbooks and was “deeply committed to philanthropy,” serving on the advisory board of the Garden of Dreams Foundation. She was also named a celebrity ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and was a dedicated member of City Harvest’s Food Council.
Anne revealed on social media recently that she had begun taking improv classes at The Second City in Brooklyn. She was slated to perform with her group a day before her death was announced.
On Tuesday, the Food Network posted a statement to its social media platforms to honor Anne.
“We are deeply saddened to share the news that beloved chef, Anne Burrell, passed away this morning,” the network wrote. “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.”
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Anne’s fellow Food Network stars— as well as numerous reality TV stars who worked with her in the past— expressed their shock and sadness over Anne’s untimely passing, including Justin Sutherland and Priyanka Naik.
“Treasuring every lesson I learned from her,” wrote Allison Victoria-Wolfe, the winner of ‘Worst Cooks in America’ Season 15. “She changed my life. Rest in power Chef.”
“Heartbroken by the loss of Chef Anne Burrell,” wrote Chopped star Chris Valdes. “A true culinary force—bold, passionate, and unforgettable. Her fire, laughter, and love for food inspired so many. Rest in flavor, Chef. Your legacy lives on.”
UPDATE! On Wednesday, TMZ reported that Anne was found unresponsive on the floor of her shower on Tuesday morning by her husband. He stated that he had last seen Anne alive and well around 1 a.m. early Tuesday morning. The next time he saw her was about six or seven hours later, when he found her in the bathroom and called 911.
No official cause of death has been released as of press time; however, a rep for the NYC Fire Department told TMZ that the incident was called in to them as a “cardiac arrest.”
(Photos: Food Network; Instagram)
4 Responses
Let me see more than five pages!! Please…. ?
How sad😢 I feel like I’ve lost a friend. (though I don’t know her personally)
She seemed incredibly kind and was a great teacher on her show.
Not sure why but this one hit me hard.
Sending prayers to her loved ones.
Still in shock!
I am so sad to hear of her passing! Love her and always think of her and red marker when cutting. Ifykyk. Will miss her
Wow. Just gobsmacked by this. Rest in peace.