Colleagues recall her fiery passion, fierce mentorship, and heartwarming generosity in emotional tributes following the beloved chef’s unexpected passing
June 18, 2025 | The culinary world is mourning the sudden and shocking death of Anne Burrell, the flame-haired Food Network favorite known for her fiery cooking style and warm spirit. The 55-year-old was found unconscious in her Brooklyn home Tuesday morning and pronounced dead shortly thereafter. While the cause of death remains unconfirmed, tributes from her colleagues, friends, and former co-stars have poured in, honoring a woman who brought fire and kindness in equal measure.
A Mentor, a Competitor, and a Friend
Chef Robert Irvine, who shared a memorable rivalry with Anne on Worst Cooks in America, expressed his heartbreak on Instagram.
“Anne wasn’t just a fiery chef. She was a radiant spirit who lit up every room she entered,” he wrote. “From the very beginning… our friendly rivalry was fueled by mutual respect. I’d risk bleaching my hair; she’d risk losing hers. An epic wager I ultimately lost—but I couldn’t imagine losing to a more fierce competitor.”
Irvine continued, praising her off-camera warmth:
“Outside of Worst Cooks, I came to know her as a generous and supportive colleague and an even better friend. Rest in peace, Chef. Your legacy as a champion of food, kindness, and empowerment will continue to inspire.”
Tributes from the Culinary World
- Carla Hall, Top Chef alum, added under Food Network’s post: “Anne was an incredible cook & teacher. FIERCE! She will be missed.”
- Kardea Brown, host of Delicious Miss Brown, shared a touching selfie and wrote: “You left us with so much… thank you for your contributions to the culinary world and the lives you touched with your infectious personality.”
- Wells Adams, a contestant from Season 19 of Worst Cooks in America, echoed the sentiment: “I know you’ll be cooking up a storm in heaven. RIP.”
- Chef Michael Voltaggio recalled a deeply personal gesture—Burrell hand-knit a baby blanket for his daughter Echo. “Aside from being an incredible chef… she was also a loyal and thoughtful friend.”
- Chef Aarón Sánchez posted a photo hugging Anne: “Her spirit, her fire, her talent, her leadership, her laugh—unforgettable. Rest easy, amiga.”
Fans and Contestants Share Memories Too
Even former contestants like Denise Schroder from Worst Cooks Season 20 remembered her fondly.
“Chef Anne was hard on us, but I loved her wit and humor. She gave me grace when I left the foot on my chicken and encouraged me to keep going.”
She even recalled naming her cat after Burrell and being invited to her green room the next day to meet Anne’s cats.
A Legacy Beyond the Kitchen
Burrell’s family described her as a “beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend” in a statement shared with Page Six.
“Her smile lit up every room she entered… Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.”
The Food Network also mourned the loss, calling her a “remarkable person and culinary talent” who always shared the joy of food with the world.
Final Notes
Anne is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married in October 2021, and stepson Javier. Her sudden passing has left a gaping void in the culinary community, but her legacy of fierce mentorship, fearless cooking, and infectious energy will continue to nourish hearts and kitchens around the world.
💔 Anne Burrell didn’t just teach us how to cook—she taught us how to live boldly, laugh loudly, and lead with love.
Tags: Anne Burrell, Food Network, Worst Cooks in America, Robert Irvine, Carla Hall, Kardea Brown, Michael Voltaggio, Aarón Sánchez, celebrity tributes, chef Anne Burrell death
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