What Happened to Anne Burrell Food Network Star and Worst Cooks in America Host

Anne Burrell, the cherished Food Network chef known for her role as host of Worst Cooks in America, sadly passed away on June 17, 2025, at the age of 55.

With her trademark spiky platinum hair and vibrant personality, she was found unconscious at her Brooklyn home early that morning and emergency medical personnel sadly pronounced her dead at the scene.

In a heartfelt statement, her family expressed their deep sorrow: “Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend—her smile lit up every room she entered. Her light radiated far beyond those she personally knew, touching millions worldwide.

Though she’s no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and endless love will live on.” The official cause of death is still pending an autopsy by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Anne Burrell was a well-known personality in the culinary world, captivating viewers with her enthusiastic teaching style and easy-to-follow cooking tips. She made her debut on Iron Chef America in 2005 and later hosted the Emmy-nominated Secrets of a Restaurant Chef. Most famously, she co-hosted Worst Cooks in America for an impressive 27 seasons, becoming a favorite among fans for her mentorship and dynamic personality.

In addition to her television work, Burrell was a successful author, with two bestselling cookbooks to her name: Cook Like a Rock Star (2011) and Own Your Kitchen (2013). Her generosity shone through her dedication to charitable organizations like City Harvest and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

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Born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Burrell studied English and communication at Canisius College before honing her culinary skills at the Culinary Institute of America, from which she graduated in 1996. Her cooking style was heavily influenced by her mother’s dishes as well as culinary legend Julia Child.

Anne Burrell is survived by her husband Stuart Claxton, whom she wed in 2021, along with his son Javier, her mother Marlene, siblings Jane and Ben, and her children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas.

Just days before her passing, she shared a joyful Instagram post featuring a selfie with a local Brooklyn icon, showcasing her love for her neighborhood and life.

The police responded to a 911 call about an unconscious woman at Burrell’s home around 7:50 a.m. EST on June 17. EMS arrived and, unfortunately, pronounced her dead at the scene. The New York City Police Department confirmed the details surrounding her passing but hasn’t released the official cause of death yet, as they await the results of the autopsy.

Food Network released a statement mourning the loss of a “remarkable person and culinary talent,” acknowledging her profound influence on both fans and colleagues during this trying time.