Beloved celebrity chef Anne Burrell, known for her spiky blonde hair, infectious laugh, and bold presence in the kitchen, has passed away unexpectedly at the age of 55. She was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn home on June 17, 2025, and was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy is underway to determine the cause.
Born September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Anne’s love for cooking began early — inspired by her mom’s home-cooked meals and the charm of Julia Child on TV. She would go on to graduate from the Culinary Institute of America and become a household name through Food Network favorites like Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and Worst Cooks in America. Viewers connected not just with her recipes, but with her energy, humor, and the fearless way she cheered others on.
Her family shared:
“Anne’s smile lit up every room. Her warmth, spirit, and boundless love touched people around the world.”
Anne leaves behind her husband Stuart Claxton, his son Javier, her mother Marlene, siblings Jane and Ben, and her children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas.
Just five days before her passing, Anne shared a joyful moment on Instagram with a street performer, captioned:
“#ilovewhatido #luckygirl 💚💚💚”
It was classic Anne — a burst of gratitude, joy, and love for life.
She often said, “Your food knows how you’re feeling when you cook it,” reminding us that cooking is more than technique — it’s about heart. Anne championed confidence in the kitchen, especially for beginners, and believed preparation was an act of self-respect.
Beyond food, she supported causes close to her heart — from City Harvest to JDRF and the Garden of Dreams Foundation. In 2021, she married Stuart, whom she met on Bumble, and the two built a joyful life together in Brooklyn.
Anne Burrell wasn’t just a chef. She was a spark — full of color, laughter, love, and realness. She leaves behind a legacy of courage in the kitchen and a reminder that cooking should be fun, fearless, and full of flavor — just like she was.
Rest in peace, Anne. Thank you for making the world a little warmer. 🧡🍳
