Chef Anne Burrell’s Shocking Passing – Anne Burrell, beloved host of Worst Cooks in America and respected Food Network star, was found unconscious and unresponsive in her Brooklyn home on the morning of June 17, 2025. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. Authorities are conducting an autopsy, and the official cause of death is pending.
Her family released a heartfelt statement: “Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered… Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit and boundless love remain eternal.” Burrell, 55, is survived by husband Stuart Claxton, stepson Javier, her mother Marlene, and siblings
A Legacy in the Kitchen and Beyond : Born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, NY, Burrell graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1996 and trained at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners She cut her teeth in NYC’s restaurant scene before joining Iron Chef America as Mario Batali’s sous-chef in 2005. Her breakout came with Secrets of a Restaurant Chef (2008–2017), followed by mentoring contestants on Worst Cooks in America, a role she held for over a decade.
She authored two best-selling cookbooks, Cook Like a Rock Star and Own Your Kitchen, and remained active in causes like the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and City Harvest
Police and emergency services responded around 7:50 a.m. on that fateful morning, finding her “unconscious and unresponsive”
An autopsy has been ordered, and the official cause of death hasn’t been released yet
Bio & Family : Born: September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, NY; studied English & Communications at Canisius College Culinary degrees: Culinary Institute of America; trained in Italy. Career highlights: Sous chef in Iron Chef America; starred in Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, Chopped, Chef Wanted, and most famously Worst Cooks in America.Books: Cook Like a Rockstar and Own Your Kitchen. Family: Survived by her husband Stuart Claxton (married 2021), stepson Javier, mother Marlene, sister Jane, brother, and her three children
Husband & Family – Anne Burrell was married to Stuart Claxton, a marketing executive, whom she met in 2018 through a dating app. The couple tied the knot in a charming ceremony in her hometown of Cazenovia, New York, in October 2021. Their relationship was filled with love, laughter, and shared passions—especially food. Anne also became a proud stepmother to Stuart’s son, Javier, and often spoke warmly about their blended family. She remained close to her own family as well, including her mother Marlene, sister Jane, and brother, who were all a strong support system throughout her life and career.
Tributes Pour In Social media erupted with tributes from fans and colleagues alike:
Gigi Hadid, Sandra Lee, Carla Hall, Tyler Florence, Wells Adams and other Food Network stars remembered her as a beautiful soul, praising her mentorship and infectious energy.
On Instagram, fans shared grief and gratitude: “One of my all-time favorite chefs… so talented and amazingly engaging” and “What a loss. She had such a great spirit.”
Anne Burrell Remembered – Anne was more than a TV personality—she was a mentor who celebrated small victories and nurtured culinary confidence. As one tribute recalled: “She believed in nurturing culinary potential and celebrating small victories.”
Gigi Hadid added, “Her warmth, spirit and boundless love remain eternal,” echoing a sentiment shared across social media.
What Happened Next ? An autopsy is underway, and no foul play is suspected. As America mourns, her legacy as a passionate chef, loving mentor, and dynamic presence remains.
Anne believed in empowering home cooks to shine, nurturing talent and celebrating small wins in the kitchen. Gigi Hadid said she “believed in nurturing culinary potential” and colleagues called her “a beautiful soul” . Her vibrant teaching style—from boot camps on Worst Cooks to community-driven Food Network specials—made cooking approachable and fun.