TV chef and Food Network star dies aged 55 as family issue heartbreaking statement
TV chef Anne Burrell has died at the age of 55, her family has confirmed.
According to a New York Police Department spokesperson, Burrell was found unconscious around 7:50 am at her Brooklyn, NY, home on Tuesday morning.
She was later pronounced dead when emergency services arrived, although no cause of death has been confirmed.
In a statement to Page Six, Burrell’s family released a statement describing her as a “beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend.”
“Her smile lit up every room she entered,” they wrote.
“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.”
In 2005, Burrell began her TV career when she joined forces with Mark Ladner to kick off Food Network’s Iron Chef America series.
A few years later, she fronted her own project in the form of Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, and in 2009, appeared on The Best Thing I Ever Ate.
However, arguably her most notable role came as the face of Worst Cooks in America, which began in 2010.
She also fronted Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, which began in 2012.
With so many culinary shows on her CV, Food Network itself issued a statement via social media.
The channel shared on X: “We are deeply saddened to share the news that beloved chef, Anne Burrell, passed away this morning.
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“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.”
Several famous faces, former co-stars, and fans alike also flooded social media with their tributes to Burrell.
Presenter Loni Love typed on X: “Anne Burrell’s passing has left me in shock and sorrow. She was a gifted chef, and an extraordinary person.
“Chef Anne was the same on and off camera. She would just check on me out the blue. I will miss her tremendously. My condolences to her husband, family, & fans. Rest Chef.”
Meanwhile, fellow Food Network regular and TV chef Robert Irvine penned a lengthy statement in remembrance of his friend and colleague.
“I am stunned and deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Anne Burrell,” Irvine began. “Anne wasn’t just a fiery chef. She was a radiant spirit who lit up every room she entered.
“From the very beginning on Worst Cooks in America, our friendly rivalry was fueled by mutual respect: I’d risk bleaching my hair; she’d risk losing hers. An epic wager that epitomized her unbeatable spirit. It was a wager I ultimately lost, but I couldn’t imagine losing to a more fierce competitor.”
Irvine went on to brand Burrell “a generous and supportive colleague and an even better friend” before commenting: “I’ll always remember her unwavering dedication, not just to food, but to lifting others up.”
He signed off his tribute: “Rest in peace, Chef. Your legacy as a champion of food, kindness, and empowerment will continue to inspire. Thank you for every lesson, every challenge, and every glorious moment. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten. With all my love and respect, Robert Irvine.”
And the kind words were echoed by Food Network fans, including one who wrote on X: “I am devastated by the passing of Chef Anne Burrell.
“She was my absolute favorite celebrity chef. I loved watching her on Worst Cooks, and her phrases are always in my head when I am cooking. Prayers go out to her family and friends.”