Food network star Anne Burrell, known for her spiky platinum hair, vibrant personality, and unmatched culinary flair, dead at the age of 55. She died peacefully at her home in Brooklyn, New York, according to a statement from her representatives.
Burrell is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married on October 16, 2021, and his son, Javier. She is also survived by her mother, Marlene, her sister Jane and her children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas, and her brother Ben.
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” her family said in a heartfelt 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.”
Burrell was best known as the exuberant host of Worst Cooks in America, where she mentored struggling home cooks into finding confidence and competence in the kitchen. Her fiery energy, contagious laugh, and genuine love for teaching made her a standout personality in the world of food television.
Born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Burrell found her culinary calling early. Inspired by her mother’s homemade meals and the legendary Julia Child, she turned her passion into a lifelong pursuit. She first studied English and Communications at Canisius College before enrolling at the Culinary Institute of America, where she graduated in 1996.
Burrell’s deep love for Italian cuisine took her abroad to the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners, where she completed several apprenticeships and absorbed the soul of Italian cooking.
Upon returning to New York, she worked at high-profile restaurants including Felidia under Lidia Bastianich and Savoy in Soho, where she further honed her expertise in Mediterranean cuisine.
Her transition to television began in the early 2000s when she took a teaching role at the Institute of Culinary Education. From there, she rose to national prominence as a sous chef on Iron Chef America, eventually earning her own Food Network show, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, which ran from 2008 to 2017 and earned an Emmy nomination.
Burrell quickly became a staple on Food Network, appearing on popular shows such as Chopped, Chef Wanted, Food Network Star, and most recently, the 2025 competition series House of Knives.
In addition to her television success, Burrell authored two bestselling cookbooks: Cook Like a Rock Star in 2011, and Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire and Empower in 2013.
Outside the spotlight, Burrell was known for her charitable work. She sat on the advisory board of the Garden of Dreams Foundation, was a celebrity ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and actively supported City Harvest through its Food Council.
Burrell met her husband Stuart Claxton on the dating app Bumble in 2018. Speaking to PEOPLE in 2023, she said of their relationship: “I love being married… It’s the being together all the time, but it’s also the adventure together.”
Her loss leaves a profound void in the culinary community, but her impact—through food, mentorship, and kindness—will endure.