Anne Burrell, a respected figure in the culinary television world and longtime host on Food Network, has passed away at the age of 55. According to official information released by authorities, Burrell was found unresponsive in her home in Brooklyn, New York, on the morning of June 17, 2025. Emergency medical personnel confirmed that she was deceased at the scene.
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) confirmed that officers responded to a call regarding an unresponsive female at a residence in Brooklyn around 7:50 a.m. on June 17. The New York Fire Department (FDNY) also responded to the emergency call. Their involvement was consistent with the response to a reported cardiac arrest, as confirmed by a department spokesperson.
Anne Burrell was widely known for her enthusiastic personality, her mentorship on shows like Worst Cooks in America, and her dedication to making cooking accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience. Her unexpected passing has deeply saddened the culinary community and her many fans around the world.
Career and Culinary Legacy
Born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Anne Burrell developed a love for cooking at an early age. Influenced by her mother’s home cooking and inspired by the legendary Julia Child, she pursued her passion professionally.
She earned an English and Communications degree from Canisius College and later studied at the Culinary Institute of America, graduating in 1996. After further refining her skills at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners in Asti, Italy, Burrell returned to the United States and built a career that combined her culinary expertise with a vibrant on-screen presence.
Anne Burrell gained national recognition through her work on Food Network. She appeared in multiple series including Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell, and most notably Worst Cooks in America, where she mentored amateur home cooks. Her high-energy teaching style and encouraging attitude made her a viewer favorite.
She also authored several cookbooks, including Cook Like a Rock Star and Own Your Kitchen, both of which received positive reviews and focused on teaching foundational cooking techniques to home cooks.
A Focus on Accessibility and Encouragement
Throughout her television career and public appearances, Burrell advocated for confidence in the kitchen. She emphasized the importance of preparation, advising beginners to read through recipes completely before starting and to embrace the learning process without fear of making mistakes.
Her teaching philosophy was rooted in making cooking approachable. She often said that food should be fun, and that confidence comes from practice. Her presence was a motivating force for countless viewers who sought guidance in their culinary journeys.
Personal Life and Marriage
Anne Burrell’s personal life became a joyful focus for fans in recent years. In 2018, she met Stuart Claxton on the dating app Bumble. The two became engaged in April 2020 while quarantining together during the COVID-19 pandemic and were married in October 2021 in a ceremony held in her hometown of Cazenovia. The event included close friends, family, and Food Network colleagues.
In a 2023 interview with People, Burrell described married life as “an adventure,” noting that she and Claxton enjoyed spending time together in their newly renovated Brooklyn apartment. Claxton, who works in marketing and media, shared her passion for home life and supported her culinary endeavors.
The couple’s relationship was often highlighted in interviews as a source of stability and happiness for Burrell. She spoke about the excitement of building their home together and the joy of sharing everyday routines.
Circumstances Surrounding Her Passing
According to official responses cited by both NYPD and FDNY, Anne Burrell was found in her home by her husband on the morning of June 17, 2025. Authorities confirmed that emergency responders were unable to revive her. A representative from the FDNY confirmed that the department received a call referencing a cardiac arrest. The exact medical cause of death will be determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of New York City, which conducts autopsies in cases involving sudden and unexpected deaths.
Law enforcement officials confirmed there was no evidence of foul play. As of June 20, no further details have been released by the family or city officials.
A Community in Mourning
In a public statement shared with the press, Anne Burrell’s family described her as “a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend.” The message continued, “Anne’s smile lit up every room she entered, and her warmth touched lives far beyond her personal circle.”
Colleagues in the culinary world have paid tribute to her legacy, citing her generosity, passion for teaching, and her uplifting energy on set and in person. Many shared memories of working alongside her on Food Network productions and at industry events.
Several Food Network personalities, including co-stars and producers, expressed their condolences on social media, emphasizing the impact she made on countless aspiring chefs and food lovers across the country.
A Lasting Legacy
Anne Burrell’s career exemplified a commitment to sharing culinary skills in a way that felt accessible, inclusive, and fun. Her enthusiasm, distinct spiky blonde hair, and memorable catchphrases made her one of the most recognizable faces on American food television.
Her death has prompted a wave of reflection among fans and professionals alike, not just about her television appearances, but also about the positive message she conveyed — that anyone can cook with heart, effort, and a little bit of courage.
Burrell’s influence extended far beyond the kitchen. Through books, television, live appearances, and digital media, she created a lasting educational and emotional connection with her audience.
Her impact remains visible in the success of those she mentored and inspired. As the culinary world remembers Anne Burrell, her passion, humor, and commitment to good food and good company will endure as part of her legacy.
