Food Network Star And Beloved Mentor Anne Burrell Dies At 55

The culinary community is mourning the tragic and premature death of Anne Burrell, the beloved Food Network personality lauded for her effervescence, spiky blond hair, and tough love on hit shows including Worst Cooks in America. Burrell died on June 17 at the age of 55, her family confirmed to E! News.

"Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend, her smile lit up every room she entered," her family said. "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." Burrell died at home, surrounded by people who loved her. The cause of her death was unknown, but her impact on the world of food and entertainment spread around the globe.

A chef, TV personality, and author, Anne Burrell brought relentless energy and rapier wit to every project she worked on. She initially captivated audiences with her fiery sous chef role on Iron Chef America and stayed a staple on the Food Network thereafter. But it was Worst Cooks in America that made her a household name, and her tough love and warm encouragement turned kitchen rookies into competent cooks repeatedly, season after season.

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Her larger-than-life personality, unabashed authenticity, and fervent conviction that cooking could be joyful, empowering, and intimate made her fans swoon. Anne was a mentor, teacher, and advocate for fearless creativity in the kitchen. Her signature catchphrases, outsize fashion sense, and memorable cackle were a mainstay of weekend cooking marathons for millions of viewers

In 2021, Burrell married Stuart Claxton in a stunning ceremony in her native town. Her survivors include Stuart, her stepson Javier, her mother Marlene, and her sister Jane. She is sorely missed by her friends and family and the food community. The Food Network also issued a heartfelt tribute: "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," a network spokesperson said.

Whether in her home kitchen or on the set of one of her popular television shows, Anne Burrell has always been passionate about food and cooking. Her death is a tragic loss not just to television viewers but also to budding chefs, food enthusiasts, and all who have had the pleasure of experiencing her work. As the food world looks back at her legacy, Anne Burrell's legacy will continue to simmer in kitchens worldwide. She continues to burn in every meal inspired by her lessons and every laugh she ignited on the screen.