Anne Burrell, the exuberant Food Network chef known for her spiky blonde hair and bold flavors, has died at the age of 55. The star of Worst Cooks in America was found unconscious and unresponsive in her Brooklyn home on June 17, according to the New York City Police Department.
Police confirm Burrell’s passing at the scene
Officers responded to a call just before 8:00 a.m. for an “unconscious and unresponsive 55-year-old female.” Emergency medical personnel pronounced her dead at the scene. The official cause of death is currently pending autopsy results from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Remembering Anne Burrell’s culinary legacy
Burrell was a household name on Food Network, where she made her first appearance in 2005 as a sous chef on Iron Chef America. Her vibrant personality and down-to-earth approach to teaching cooking won her fans across the country. She hosted Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and co-hosted Worst Cooks in America for 27 seasons.
Career milestones:
- Emmy-nominated for Secrets of a Restaurant Chef
- Author of two bestselling cookbooks
- Star of Worst Cooks in America from 2010–2024
- Most recently appeared on House of Knives in 2025
A beloved figure on- and off-camera
Born in Cazenovia, New York, Burrell was inspired by her mother and Julia Child to pursue the culinary arts. After earning degrees from Canisius College and the Culinary Institute of America, she trained in Italy and later worked in top NYC kitchens like Felidia and Savoy.
Food Network released a statement calling her “a remarkable person and culinary talent… Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.”
Her family echoed the sentiment, describing her as “a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend. Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world.”
Tributes pour in from celebrity peers
Celebrity model Gigi Hadid shared a heartfelt memory, calling her time cooking with Burrell “a dream come true.” Fellow Food Network personalities also took to social media to mourn the chef, praising her talent, humor, and generosity.
What happens next
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is expected to release autopsy results in the coming days. In the meantime, fans and culinary colleagues alike are paying tribute to Burrell’s lasting influence.
This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com Team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here.