The culinary world is mourning the loss of celebrity chef Anne Burrell, who died at age 55 at her home in Brooklyn, New York, on June 17. The Food Network star and frequent TODAY guest was known for her shock of platinum blond hair, quick wit and skill in the kitchen.
“With her trademark spiky blonde hair and sparkling personality, Anne Burrell was the hugely popular and fan favorite host of Food Network’s hit show, Worst Cooks in America,” reads a statement sent to TODAY.com by Burrell’s reps. “Burrell was an industry veteran and passionate teacher who prided herself on her work in the culinary world.”
The cause of death is pending an autopsy with the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, but she may have suffered cardiac arrest, per an FDNY report.
On June 18, TODAY anchors Craig Melvin and Carson Daly shared their memories of Burrell. The “House of Knives” star often cooked alongside TODAY hosts, most recently with Jenna Bush Hager and guest host Jay Ellis in an April 9 appearance on “Jenna and Friends.”
“Her spirit was just remarkable,” Craig said. “Sometimes you never knew what was gonna come out of that mouth.”
“That’s what I loved about her,” Carson added. “It was really shocking to hear yesterday, you know she was so young. I felt like I lost my aunt, and I didn’t really even know her that well.”
Carson said she felt like a member of the family.
“She made you feel that way, as advertised, funny, so inclusive, made you feel so good,” he said. “Just really sad news to get.”
“I just feel like a little bit of energy got sucked out of the world,” TODAY contributor Anne Thompson added.
Across social media, celebrity chefs, Food Network stars and other prominent figures grieved Burrell.
“So very saddening to hear of Anne Burrell’s passing at 55,” Al Roker captioned an Instagram post of him cooking with Burrell and former first lady Michelle Obama. “What a force of nature. A truly delightful human who was supportive of other chefs and a true delight to be around. Our hearts go out to her family and close friends.”
In the comments of Al’s post, Obama commented, “So saddened to hear about Anne’s passing. I’ll always be thankful for her support of Let’s Move, and for joining us at the White House Easter Egg Roll to inspire kids and families with her healthy recipes. She was such a warm and talented chef and my condolences go out to her loved ones.”
Burrell appeared on many Food Network shows like “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef,” “Iron Chef America” and “Chopped All-Stars,” and in the comments section of the channel’s Instagram post about her death, her fellow chefs offered their condolences.
“So incredibly sad. My heart to Chef Anne’s family and friends. What a loss,” Eric Adjepong commented.
Ming Tsai wrote, “we lost a good one here”; Marc Summers said, “Gone WAY too soon”; and Chris Valdez noted that Burrell was “a true culinary force” whose “fire, laughter and love for food inspired so many.”
On X, Guy Fieri posted, “Rest easy.”
One of Burrell’s bridesmaids, fellow food personality Rachael Ray, also paid her tribute in a lengthy Instagram post. Ray called her friend a “rockstar” and said she’d “miss her friendship dearly.”
Other chefs, prominent figures and Food Network stars, including “Worst Cooks” rivals Robert Irvine and Tyler Florence, reacted to news of her death with heartfelt social media posts.
“Anne wasn’t just a fiery chef. She was a radiant spirit who lit up every room she entered. From the very beginning on Worst Cooks in America, our friendly rivalry was fueled by mutual respect,” Irvine posted on X. “I’ll always remember her unwavering dedication, not just to food, but to lifting others up.”
“No one was funnier. She was Mensa smart with razor wit and sincere kindness,” Florence wrote on Instagram. “Anne had a collage of star tattoos on her left arm. I asked her what they meant and she said she loved the night sky. And, how lucky she felt to be a star. She was one of the brightest. There’s a new star in the sky tonight.”
“I worked at Centro Vinoteca after she had moved on, but her dishes were still on the menu — her spirit still filled the kitchen,” chef JJ Johnson wrote on his Instagram story. “Chef, I’ll miss the moments we shared: the lessons, the laughter, and your fire. You left your mark on this industry. Rest in power.”
“She was a fierce chef and instructor—rocking her custom skirts, mismatched socks, and that unforgettable big smile,” chef Carla Hall wrote on Instagram. “Anne, you brought so much heart and heat to every kitchen. You. Will. Be. Missed. 🙏🏽❤️.”
“My heart is shattered… Anne’s presence was pure sunshine — her laugh filled every room and her love touched every soul,” chef Melba Wilson wrote.
“Rest easy, Chef Anne . I’m so blessed I was able to work with you, learn from you, laugh with you,” Carson Kressley, frequent “Worst Cooks” guest, said. “So many memories — on screen and off — I cherish this photo of us living our best lives, as the kids say.”
“Anne Burrell’s passing has left me in shock and sorrow,” comedian Loni Love said on X. “She was a gifted chef, and an extraordinary person. Chef Anne was the same on and off camera. She would just check on me out the blue. I will miss her tremendously. My condolences to her husband, family, & fans.”
“Anne was exactly what you saw on TV…boisterous, bold, and completely unapologetic about how she ran her kitchen. Her laugh could fill a room, and her energy was unforgettable,” chef Claudia Sandoval said. “She was also sharp, serious, and didn’t play around when it came to food. She demanded excellence, and she led with conviction.”
“Her spirit, her fire, her talent, her leadership, her laugh—unforgettable,” chef Aaron Sanchez wrote on Threads. “I’ll carry her memory with me always. Rest easy, amiga. 💔”
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