Anne Burrell, beloved Food Network star known for her spiky platinum hair, boisterous laugh, and fierce culinary talent, passed away on June 17, 2025, at the age of 55. From her small-town roots to global fame, Burrell’s life was a celebration of flavor, friendship, and love. This tribute honors her journey, her work, her legacy—and the family she adored.
From Cazenovia to Culinary Stardom
Born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Anne Burrell was captivated by the kitchen from a young age. Inspired by her mother’s home-cooked meals and the joyful presence of Julia Child on TV, Anne’s early bond with food became lifelong. In fact, she formed a childhood friendship with Julia Child herself—a connection that only deepened her passion.
After earning a degree in English and Communication from Canisius College, Anne followed her heart to the Culinary Institute of America, graduating in 1996. A year in Italy, studying at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners, would further shape her palette and cooking philosophy, centering her love of rustic Italian cuisine.
Food Network Fame: Teaching, Laughing, Leading
Anne began her career in professional kitchens, working under Lidia Bastianich at Felidia and honing Mediterranean flavors at Savoy in Soho. But it was her role as an instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education that revealed another gift: the ability to teach and inspire.
Her Food Network debut came as a sous chef on Iron Chef America. Burrell’s charisma and culinary mastery quickly made her a fan favorite, leading to her breakout solo show, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, which ran for nine successful seasons starting in 2008. Her resume expanded to include Worst Cooks in America, Chopped, Chef Wanted, Food Network Star, and House of Knives (which premiered just months before her passing).
Anne authored two cookbooks—Cook Like a Rock Star and Own Your Kitchen—both bestsellers that reflected her fun, fearless approach to cooking. Offscreen, she was a dedicated philanthropist, lending her name and time to City Harvest, the Garden of Dreams Foundation, and JDRF.
Love Later in Life and Final Moments
Anne met Stuart Claxton on the dating app Bumble in 2018. The two married in a joyful celebration on October 16, 2021, in her hometown. Anne embraced her role as stepmother to Stuart’s son, Javier, and found contentment in family life.
Their home in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, was a vibrant expression of her spirit—colorful, quirky, and joyful. “This is my land of happy and joy,” she told NBC’s Open House. Tragically, Stuart found Anne unresponsive on the shower floor in the early hours of June 17. He had last seen her alive around 1 a.m., and discovered her body later that morning. No foul play is suspected.
Anne is survived by her husband Stuart, stepson Javier, her mother Marlene, sister Jane, brother Ben, and her three children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas.
A Life Lived Loudly, Loved Deeply
Anne Burrell was not just a chef—she was a spark. Her platinum spikes, booming laugh, and fearless kitchen persona lit up screens and homes across the country. But behind the spice and sparkle was a woman who loved hard, taught with passion, and left a permanent mark on culinary culture.
Her family said it best: “Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew.” In every dish she created, every contestant she mentored, and every joyful shout of “Bam!” in the kitchen, Anne left behind a lesson: to live fully, work hard, and love even harder.
Her life reminds us that our work speaks to our character, and our love shows our heart.
Rest in peace, Anne Burrell. You will be deeply missed—but never forgotten.
Watch & Remember Anne Burrell: