She was truly unique — intelligent, kind, and immensely talented.
Now, the world is mourning the sudden loss of celebrity chef Anne Burrell.
Famous for her vibrant personality and spiky blonde hair, Burrell died unexpectedly at age 55. She was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn home on the morning of June 17, 2025. Emergency responders were unable to revive her, and more details are now emerging about her sudden death.
The New York City Police Department confirmed she was found “unconscious and unresponsive” and pronounced dead at the scene.
What happened
Authorities initially withheld her identity as they worked to notify her family, though the address listed matched Burrell’s residence, according to People magazine.
Her family later confirmed her passing. The medical examiner is scheduled to perform an autopsy to determine the official cause of death.
Anne Burrell was born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York. Her love for cooking began early, inspired by her mother’s homemade meals and the influence of culinary icon Julia Child.
A legacy beyond cooking
Anne wasn’t just a fan favorite on the Food Network — she was a cherished wife, stepmother, and friend.
She is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, his son Javier, her mother Marlene, sister Jane, brother Ben, and children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas. Her family shared a touching tribute, describing Anne as someone whose smile brightened every room and whose energy impacted countless lives. “Her light will continue to shine in the hearts of millions,” they said.
Final days
Just five days before her death, Anne posted on Instagram about a cheerful neighborhood encounter:
“I ran into @greenladyofbrooklyn in my neighborhood today!! I may or may not have followed her down the street for a minute. She is just lovely!!! #ilovewhatido #luckygirl 💚💚💚.”
In a candid interview from April with TastingTable, Anne spoke about the deep emotional bond between cooks and their food, saying, “I truly believe food can feel your emotions while you’re preparing it — and it reacts accordingly.”
Anne made it her mission to make cooking approachable and enjoyable. Through shows like Worst Cooks in America, she encouraged beginners to embrace mistakes and build confidence in the kitchen.
She emphasized the importance of being prepared, advising home cooks to always choose a reliable recipe, read it thoroughly, and plan ahead. A strong proponent of “mise en place” — preparing and organizing ingredients before cooking — she also believed in the power of tasting food throughout the process to perfect flavor.
Even in her final months, Anne remained authentic. When a fan asked why she hadn’t appeared on Worst Cooks in America, she responded honestly: “Honestly I don’t know..”
Giving back
After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in 1996, Burrell rose to fame with shows like Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, All-Star Best Thing I Ever Ate, Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell, and her popular Iron Chef America appearances.
Beyond television, she was committed to philanthropy. She served 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.
“I’m so grateful to share my true passion with others,” she often said.
A life full of love
Anne met her husband Stuart Claxton on Bumble in 2018. They got engaged during the COVID-19 lockdown in April 2020 and tied the knot in October 2021, surrounded by close friends and Food Network peers.
In a March 2023 interview with People, Anne gushed about married life: “I love being married. We’re together all the time since Stuart works from home. It’s not just sharing everyday life, it’s the adventures we take on together.”
The couple had recently settled into a beautifully renovated Brooklyn apartment. Anne shared how much she enjoyed building their home together.
Their future was full of plans — travel, karaoke nights, and cooking for each other. Anne said, “I’m really looking forward to taking a trip — just the two of us.”