Beloved Food Network Star Anne Burrell’s Final Appearance Before Her Passing

Food Network Mourns the Loss of Anne Burrell at 55

Celebrity chef Anne Burrell, known for her vibrant personality and signature spiky blonde hair, has died at age 55. The Food Network star passed away on June 17 at her home in Brooklyn, her family confirmed in a statement.

“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend—her smile lit up every room she entered,” her family shared with E! News. “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.”

Her last television appearance was on an episode of Food Network’s “House of Knives,” which premiered in March 2025.

A Life Full of Flavor and Joy

Burrell was widely recognized as the host of popular Food Network series including “Worst Cooks in America” and “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef.” Her legacy in food television spans nearly two decades, starting in 2005 when she first appeared as a sous chef for Mark Ladner on “Iron Chef America.”

Beyond her television career, Burrell was classically trained at the Culinary Institute of America and studied abroad at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners. She later served as a sous chef at Felidia in Manhattan and as head chef at Savoy in SoHo. Her talent and charisma earned her an Emmy nomination and two bestselling cookbooks.

Burrell often emphasized bringing joy into the kitchen. “I truly, in my heart, feel that your food knows how you’re feeling when you cook it and it reacts accordingly,” she told Tasting Table in April. “I like to put happy and joy into my food, and it’s not so serious… take the fear factor out of it and put the fun factor in.”

Burrell’s Last Public Appearance

As reported by E News, Burrell had taken up improv comedy classes in New York City in the months leading up to her death. “I showed up on the first day and [was] by far and away the oldest person in my class and the only one without a theater degree,” she said. “You go for three hours a week and it’s playing games… and it’s so fun.”

She performed her final improv set on June 16—just one day before her death, per US Weekly. Her last Instagram post, shared days prior, featured a selfie with the Green Lady of Brooklyn. “I’m not going to lie—I have been keeping an eye out for her… She is just lovely!!!” Burrell captioned the photo.

The Food Network posted a heartfelt tribute to their official Instagram page, writing, “We are deeply saddened to share the news that beloved chef, Anne Burrell, passed away this morning. Anne was a remarkable person and culinary talent – teaching, competing and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring. Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.”

According to People, Burrell is survived by her husband Stuart Claxton, her stepson Javier, her mother Marlene, and her sister Jane. No cause of death has been disclosed.