Food Network star Anne Burrell died on Tuesday morning in New York. She was 55.
Burrell died in her Brooklyn home, according to People. She was the long-time host of the reality show Worst Cooks in America and appeared on various other Food Network shows, including Chef Wanted, Chopped and Food Network Star.
The New York-born chef most recently appeared in the cooking competition show House of Knives, which premiered in March.
Burrell is the author of the 2011 New York Times bestseller Cook Like a Rockstar. Two years later, she published her second book, Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire and Empower. She also taught at the Institute of Culinary Education.
"Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered," her family said in a statement. "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."
Burrell is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, her step-son, Javier, her mother, her sister and her brother, according to People.
Burrell and Claxton met in 2018 via the dating app Bumble, according to People. They got engaged in 2020 and married a year later. Claxton described their marriage as “wonderful” in a 2023 interview with People.
"Anne and I hadn't lived together before we moved in and got married, so it's been a whole adventure, but very lovely at the same time,” Claxton said.
RuPaul’s Drag Race star Ginger Minj, whose real name is Joshua Allen Eads, posted a tribute to Burrell on Tuesday afternoon.
“I am so incredibly sad to hear of the passing of my friend @AnneBurrell today,” Eads wrote. “I hope you are rocking out and cooking up a feast tonight!”
The Food Network also mourned Burrell’s passing in a statement to Deadline.
“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,” a spokesperson for the network said. “Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.”
Burrell last posted on Instagram four days ago, sharing a selfie of her and Elizabeth Sweetheart, also known as the iconic “Green Lady of Brooklyn.”
“I ran into @greenladyofbrooklyn in my neighborhood today!! I’m not going to lie- I have been keeping an eye out for her,” Burrell wrote in her final post. “I may or may not have followed her down the street for a minute. She is just lovely!!!”
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
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