Anne Burrell, Food Network chef, found dead at 55 after sudden exit from Worst Cooks in America

“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend,” her family said in a statement. “Her smile lit up every room she entered. 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.”

Anne Burrell was missing from Worst Cooks in America

Anne had been a fixture on Worst Cooks in America since 2010. But when the latest season (Season 28) of the celebrity edition came out earlier this year, she was missing. Chefs Jeff Mauro and Antonia Lofaso were seen running the show, and no updates about Burrell were given. Fans immediately noticed the change, and the network’s comment section was filled with backlash and demands for an explanation, asking why she wasn’t on the show. Anne herself replied to a few of them, but her answers were vague. To one comment, she said, “Honestly, I don’t know.” When someone else asked if she was still with the Food Network, she replied, “I miss you guys!.” She even said, “I will SO try,” when a fan asked her to come back next season.

Also read: ‘Sunjay Kapur played polo with Prince William while son was sick’: Karisma Kapoor’s old claims resurface as polo friends remember him as ‘kind soul’

Food Network also released a statement, honouring her legacy and said, “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.”

Anne Burrell’s last post

Burrell, in her last selfie, wrote that she had been hoping to run into Brooklyn’s Green Lady for a while now and even joked about following her down the street just to say hi. “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,” she captioned the picture. She looked upbeat in the photo, wearing a floral top, sunglasses, and her blonde hair. That same day, she also took to her Instagram to post a picture of her with two fellow chefs, Elizabeth Falkner and Franklin Becker, at Soho House, New York. “SUUUUUUPER yummy with a great group of people.”

Burrell’s upbeat personality, beyond her cooking shows and public life, was well-known. Earlier this month, she invited fans to an improv comedy show she was part of through Second City. Anne has a husband, Stuart Claxton (whom she married in 2021), her stepson Javier, her mom Marlene, and her siblings Jane and Ben.