Chef Anne Burrell passes away suddenly at the age of 55

Renowned chef Anne Burrell passed away on Tuesday morning, June 17, 2025, at her home in Brooklyn, New York, according to an official statement from her representatives published in PEOPLE magazine. The news of her death came as a shock to her fans around the world, especially since she had no known health issues. Burrell was one of the most prominent figures in American cooking, reaching a global audience through the Food Network.

Warm family life behind the scenes Behind Burrell's boisterous personality on the show, she led a quiet family life with her husband, Stuart Clarkson, whom she married in 2021. She is also survived by her son, Javier, her mother, Marilyn, her sister, Jane, and her children, as well as her brother, Ben. A statement from her family read: "Anne was a warm soul who filled every space with her love and smile. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her or watched her on screen."

A timeless television legacy on the Food Network Anne Burrell achieved widespread fame through her hit show, "Worst Cooks in America," where she helped novice chefs break through kitchen barriers and reach professional levels. She was known for her striking appearance and strong personality, which combined toughness with warmth. She also starred in other shows, such as "Secrets of a Restaurant Chef," "Iron Chef America," and "Chopped," among others, making her one of the iconic faces of American cooking shows.

One last project before we leave... food for the soul Just one day before her death, Anne Burrell announced her final professional project: a collaboration with CareRite Centers to develop a “Culinary Excellence” program that would deliver home-cooked meals within healthcare facilities. The project included hands-on training for chefs and improved food culture within rehabilitation centers. In her final professional words, she wanted to cultivate something “good for the soul”—as she described real food—and she did just that until the very end.