Anne Burrell attended the New York City Wine & Food Festival in October 2019, where she joined fellow chefs and food lovers to celebrate great food and cooking. Getty Images
Anne Burrell, the popular chef known for her spiky platinum hair and lively personality, died on the morning of June 17. She passed away at her home in Brooklyn, New York. Anne was 55 years old.
Her representatives shared the sad news in an official statement. Anne leaves behind her husband Stuart Claxton, whom she married in October 2021, his son Javier, her own children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas, and her family including her mother Marlene and sister Jane.
Her family said, “Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered. 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.”
A Star on Food Television
Anne became a fan favorite on Food Network. She was best known for hosting Worst Cooks in America. There, she helped people with little kitchen experience become confident cooks. Her energy, laughter, and strong cooking skills made her very popular.
Born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Anne’s love for cooking started early. She loved her mother’s home-cooked meals and admired the famous chef Julia Child.
Anne studied English and Communication at Canisius College. Later, she joined the Culinary Institute of America, graduating in 1996. Her passion for Italian food took her to the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners. She trained there and learned about Italian cooking traditions.
Back in New York, Anne worked at well-known restaurants like Felidia and Savoy. She improved her skills in Mediterranean food.
In the early 2000s, Anne started teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education. Soon after, she began appearing on TV.
Her first TV role was as a sous chef on Iron Chef America. She then got her own show, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, which ran for nine seasons and earned an Emmy nomination.
Anne also appeared on many other shows like Chef Wanted, Chopped, and Food Network Star. Most recently, she hosted a new show called House of Knives, which premiered in March 2025.
Author and Philanthropist
Anne wrote two cookbooks. Her 2011 book Cook Like a Rock Star became a New York Times bestseller. She also wrote Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire and Empower.
She cared deeply about giving back. Anne worked with charities like the Garden of Dreams Foundation and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. She was also active in City Harvest’s Food Council.
Anne once said, “I feel so lucky to be able to share my true passion in life with others.”
Personal Life
Anne met Stuart Claxton on the dating app Bumble in 2018. In 2023, she told a reporter, “I have to say, I love being married. We’re together all the time because Stuart works from home. It’s the being together all the time, but it’s also the adventure together.”
Anne Burrell’s passing leaves a big gap in the cooking world. Her warmth and passion will be missed by fans and loved ones everywhere.
