She was truly one of a kind brilliant, compassionate, and bursting with talent. but now, the world has lost Celebrity Chef Anne Burrell.
Anne Burrell, known and adored for her bold personality and trademark spiky blonde hair, has died unexpectedly at the age of 55.
She was found unresponsive at her Brooklyn home on the morning of June 17, 2025. Despite efforts by emergency responders, she could not be revived.
Now, new details are emerging about the circumstances of her sudden passing. According to the New York City Police Department, Burrell was found “unconscious and unresponsive” and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Cause of Death
Although police initially withheld the identity of the deceased while next of kin were being notified, the address listed in their statement reportedly matched Anne Burrell’s Brooklyn residence, according to People.
Shortly after, Burrell’s family confirmed the heartbreaking news. An autopsy will be conducted by the city medical examiner to officially determine the cause of death.
Anne was born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York. Her love for cooking began early, inspired by her mother’s home-cooked meals and the iconic influence of Julia Child.
But Anne Burrell’s influence extended well beyond the kitchen. A vibrant presence on the Food Network and a fan favorite for years, she was also a loving wife, devoted stepmother, and cherished friend.
She is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton; his son, Javier; her mother, Marlene; sister, Jane; brother, Ben; and her children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas.
In a moving tribute, her family shared:
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend her smile lit up every room she entered. Her 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.”
Last Picture
Anne Burrell, known for bringing warmth and fun to the kitchen, stayed true to her joyful spirit right up to the end. Just five days before her passing, she shared a lighthearted Instagram post:
“I ran into @greenladyofbrooklyn in my neighborhood today!! I’m not going to lie I have been keeping an eye out for her. I may or may not have followed her down the street for a minute. She is just lovely!!! #ilovewhatido #luckygirl 💚💚💚”
In what would become one of her final in-depth interviews, published in April by TastingTable, Anne spoke about the emotional energy that goes into cooking:
“I truly in my heart feel that your food knows how you’re feeling when you cook it, and it reacts accordingly.”
Anne made it her mission to take the fear out of cooking. On shows like Worst Cooks in America, she cheered on nervous beginners, offering encouragement and turning mistakes into teachable moments always reminding viewers that learning to cook should be a joyful journey.
Anne Burrell never lost sight of the importance of preparation and discipline in the kitchen. “Find a recipe for it. Don’t just try to wing it,” she advised. “Read several recipes, pick the one you feel most comfortable with or like best, and then read it from beginning to end before you start cooking.”
She was a passionate advocate for mise en place prepping ingredients ahead of time and cleaning as you go to make cooking more efficient and less overwhelming. Tasting as you cook, she often said, was key to getting the flavors just right.
Even in her final months, Anne’s authenticity and passion were unmistakable. When fans asked on Instagram why she hadn’t appeared on Worst Cooks in America, she responded with characteristic honesty: “Honestly I don’t know. 🤷🏼♀️😑❤️”
Giving Back
A proud 1996 graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Anne made her mark on the food world with standout roles on Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, All-Star Best Thing I Ever Ate, Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell, and as a recurring face on Iron Chef America.
But Anne’s impact extended beyond the screen. She was deeply committed to giving back serving on the advisory board for the Garden of Dreams Foundation, acting as a celebrity ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and supporting City Harvest’s Food Council.
“I feel so lucky to be able to share my true passion in life with others,” she often said.
A Joyful Personal Life
Anne’s personal life blossomed in recent years. She met her husband, Stuart Claxton, on Bumble in 2018. The couple got engaged during quarantine in April 2020 and were married in October 2021, surrounded by close friends and Food Network colleagues in a beautiful ceremony.
Reflecting on married life in a 2023 People interview, Anne said, “I have to say, I love being married. We’re together all the time because Stuart works from home. It’s the being together all the time, but it’s also the adventure together.”
Stuart added, “It’s been wonderful, to say the least.”
The couple settled into a newly renovated Brooklyn apartment, where Anne shared, “We’ve been getting the marital home set up. And it’s just been so fun to see that all come together.”
Looking ahead, Anne and Stuart dreamed of a future filled with adventures from spontaneous trips and karaoke nights to cozy home-cooked dinners. “I’m looking forward to taking a trip just the two of us,” Anne had shared with excitement.
Her legacy lives on through the joy she brought to kitchens everywhere. With her warmth, humor, and unwavering passion, Anne Burrell inspired millions to cook with confidence and to have fun doing it.
