Anne Burrell, Beloved Food Network Star, Dies Suddenly at 55 After Cardiac Arrest

Anne Burrell, the spiky-haired, fiery chef who taught America to cook with confidence and flair, has died at 55 following a reported cardiac arrest.

The celebrity chef was found unconscious and unresponsive in her Brooklyn home early Monday morning, June 17. She was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 8 am, according to the New York Police Department. An autopsy is currently underway to confirm the cause of death.

Food Network Chef Anne Burrell Passes Away

Burrell was one of the most recognizable faces in culinary television, serving as co-host of Worst Cooks in America for 27 seasons.

Food Network colleagues and celebrities have flooded social media with tributes, calling her “irreplaceable,” “electric,” and “one of the greats who made kitchens feel like home.”

“She made mistakes feel fun and learning feel easy,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Anne taught us how to be fearless in the kitchen, even if we were total disasters.”

Beloved TV Host Taught America to Cook with Confidence

Anne Burrell was born September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York. After earning degrees from Canisius College and the Culinary Institute of America, she sharpened her skills in Italy before working in some of New York’s top kitchens.

Her big break came as a sous-chef on Iron Chef America, but she became a household name as the host of Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and later as the anchor of Worst Cooks in America. In that role, she coached novices and celebrities alike with equal parts sass and sincerity, often helping the hopeless develop real kitchen skills.

“She had this rare mix of fire and compassion,” one former contestant told People. “Anne didn’t just teach you to cook— she made you believe you could.”

Empowering Everyday Cooks

Burrell was a passionate teacher. Her goal was always to empower people who felt intimidated by cooking. With cookbooks like Cook Like a Rock Star and Own Your Kitchen, she encouraged readers to embrace their quirks and trust their instincts.

“She didn’t care if you burned the chicken — she cared that you tried,” said one Worst Cooks contestant. “She made people feel like they mattered, no matter how little they knew about food.”

Remembering Anne: The Woman Behind the Flame

Outside the spotlight, Burrell was devoted to her family and recently married Stuart Claxton in 2021 in a romantic upstate New York ceremony. She became a stepmother to Claxton’s son Javier and often spoke about how much she loved her new role.

She was also active in causes promoting food education, women in the culinary arts, and youth mentorship. In interviews, she emphasized that food was more than just sustenance; it was a connection, a source of creativity, and a catalyst for joy.

What Happens to Worst Cooks in America?

Food Network has not confirmed how the show will proceed following Burrell’s death. Production was reportedly on break when the news of her passing broke. Many fans have expressed that the show should either be retired or reimagined with a tribute season to honor Burrell.

Without question, the Worst Cooks in America host’s death is the end of an era for Food Network and for the millions who tuned in to learn and laugh with her.

Anne Burrell Obituary: A Flame That Will Keep Burning

Anne Burrell’s death at 55 is a loss to the culinary world and pop culture. She represented a new breed of chef who values mistakes as much as mastery and embraced learners at every level.

Her larger-than-life voice, spiky platinum hair, and generous spirit will be remembered as much as her recipes.

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