Burrell, host of ‘Worst Cooks in America’, remembered by family as someone whose smile ‘lit up every room’

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Food Network star Anne Burrell has died. She was 55.

A representative for the channel announced Burrell’s death in a press release that was obtained by Fox News Digital on Tuesday.

“It is with deep sadness we announce that Anne Burrell, 55, passed away this morning at her home in New York,” read a statement from the network. “With her trademark spiky blonde hair and sparkling personality, Anne Burrell was the hugely popular and fan favorite host of Food Network’s hit show, ‘Worst Cooks in America.’ Burrell was an industry veteran and passionate teacher who prided herself on her work in the culinary world.”

Burrell’s family paid tribute to the late celebrity chef in a statement.

“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” they said. “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.”

The Food Network also honored Burrell in an Instagram post shared on the channel’s page.

“We are deeply saddened to share the news that beloved chef, Anne Burrell, passed away this morning,” the caption of the post, which featured a photo of Burrell, read. “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.”

Born on Sept. 21, 1969, Burrell was raised in Cazenovia, New York.

“Growing up in upstate New York, Anne’s passion for food and cooking began at an early age, triggered by her love of watching Julia Child and her own mother’s talent in the kitchen,” read the Food Network’s press release.

Burrell studied English and Communication at Canisius College in Buffalo, New York, where she graduated in 1991. She went on to pursue her cooking career at the Culinary Institute of America and graduated in 1996. Burrell then spent a year at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners in Italy.

While studying abroad, Burrell completed several apprenticeships and developed her “true love of the Italian kitchen and grew to appreciate and understand the philosophy of Italian cuisine,” according to the Food Network.

After returning to the United States, Burrell worked as a sous chef at New York City’s Felidia Ristorante under celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich. Burrell later became the chef at Soho’s Savoy restaurant, where she crafted Mediterranean-inspired menus. She went on to become a teacher at the Institute of Culinary Education before eventually launching her television career.

Burrell made her first TV appearance in 2005 as a sous chef for famed Italian chef Mario Batali in the premiere episode of the Food Network’s cooking show “Iron Chef America.” She went on to star in her own Food Network show “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef,” which ran for nine seasons from 2008 to 2012 and received two Emmy Award nominations.

During that time, Burrell became a Food Network mainstay, making frequent appearances on the network’s shows, including “Chef Wanted,” “Chopped” and “Food Network Star.” She co-hosted the hit reality show “Worst Cooks in America” for 27 seasons from 2010 to 2024.

Burrell made her recent TV appearance while competing on the new Food Network series “House of Knives,” which debuted in March. The celebrity chef also penned the New York Times best-selling 2011 cookbook “Cook Like A Rock Star” as well as 2013’s “Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire and Empower.”

In addition to her culinary career, Burrell was also dedicated to charity work. She served on the Garden of Dreams Foundation Advisory Board and became a celebrity ambassador for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Burrell also served on the board of City Harvest’s Food Council.

The Food Network’s press release noted that Burrell often said, “I feel so lucky to be able to share my true passion in life with others.”

Burrell and her husband, Stuart Claxton, married on Oct. 16, 2021. She is survived by Stuart and his son Javier, as well as her mother Marlene and sister Jane.