Anne Burrell dies at 55 — celebrity chef found unresponsive in her Brooklyn home
Food Network star Anne Burrell has passed away unexpectedly; an autopsy is pending as fans and family remember her legacy in the culinary world.
Celebrity chef Anne Burrell has died at 55, leaving fans and colleagues mourning the loss of a joyful, high-energy personality known for making cooking approachable. She was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn apartment on June 17, and was pronounced dead at the scene. The medical examiner is conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
The New York City Police Department confirmed Burrell was found “unconscious and unresponsive.” While her identity was initially withheld pending family notification, the address in the police statement matched her residence. Burrell’s family later confirmed the news.
She is survived by her husband Stuart Claxton, his son Javier, her mother Marlene, sister Jane, brother Ben, and three children—Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas.
In a family statement, they wrote: “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.”
A life shaped by food—and joy
Born in Cazenovia, New York, in 1969, Burrell developed her love of food early, inspired by her mother’s cooking and TV chef Julia Child. She trained professionally at the Culinary Institute of America and rose to prominence as a bold, no-nonsense voice on Food Network hits like Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and Worst Cooks in America.
Burrell stood out for her encouragement of beginners and her belief that mistakes are part of the learning process. In a recent interview, she shared, “Your food knows how you’re feeling when you cook it and it reacts accordingly.” That mindset helped her connect deeply with viewers.
Still smiling just days before her death
Only five days before her passing, Burrell posted on Instagram about meeting a local character in her Brooklyn neighborhood. “I may or may not have followed her down the street for a minute,” she joked, adding, “#ilovewhatido #luckygirl.”
In April, she gave a wide-ranging interview with TastingTable, emphasizing preparation, tasting as you go, and reading recipes in full before starting to cook—lessons she championed throughout her career.
Burrell supported several charitable causes, serving on advisory boards for Garden of Dreams Foundation, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and City Harvest’s Food Council. Her mantra: “I feel so lucky to be able to share my true passion in life with others.”
Her personal life brought her equal joy. She met husband Stuart Claxton on Bumble in 2018, and the couple married in 2021. “We’re together all the time… but it’s also the adventure together,” she told People in 2023.
The couple had recently settled into their Brooklyn apartment, planning more trips and karaoke nights together. “It’s just been so fun to see that all come together,” she said.
Burrell’s authenticity and humor made her a standout in food television. She reminded audiences that cooking should feel fun, not intimidating, and her legacy continues in the millions who cook with more confidence because of her.
Her cause of death remains under investigation.
