Anne Burrell: Food Network Chef and Worst Cooks in America Host Dies at

Anne Burrell was an American chef and television personality, known for her spiky blonde hair and exuberant style. Born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, she graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and trained in Italy.

Burrell worked under Lidia Bastianich at Felidia and served as sous chef to Mario Batali on Iron Chef America. She hosted Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell and was a mentor on Worst Cooks in America for many seasons. She won Chopped All-Stars in 2015 and co-wrote the bestselling cookbooks Cook Like a Rock Star and Own Your Kitchen.

Burrell taught at the Institute of Culinary Education. She married Stuart Claxton in 2021. She died at her home in Brooklyn, New York, on June 17, 2025, at age 55, and the medical examiner ruled the death a suicide. Her family said she had been struggling privately. If you or someone you know needs help, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available in the U.S.

Achievements: Mentor on Worst Cooks in America, hosted Secrets of a Restaurant Chef (2008), won Chopped All-Stars (2015), two bestselling cookbooks.

Birth: September 21, 1969 - Cazenovia, New York.

Profession: Chef and television personality.

Interesting Facts: She studied improvisational comedy at The Second City in Brooklyn. She became interested in cooking at age three while watching Julia Child.