Anne Burrell Dies at 55: Social Media Floods With Tributes

Very sad news arrived this week as Anne Burrell, the spiked, platinum‑blonde chef known for her energetic efforts on Worst Cooks in America and Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, passed away at age 55 on Tuesday at her Brooklyn home.

How Did Anna Die?

Multiple outlets reported on her passing, including People, which noted that other famous foodies commented on her passing. Page Six also talked about the unexpected passing, saying that Anna’s cause of death has not yet been confirmed. A statement from The Food Network on Instagram honored her spirit and teaching legacy.

The tribute read, in part:

We are deeply saddened to share the news that beloved chef, Anne Burrell, passed away this morning. 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. 

Tributes Poured In

On the post by the network, and elsewhere on social media, many people who watched her shows, read her books, or worked with her, took the time to remember Anne Burrell. “Her energy was unmatched. You felt it the moment she walked in the room. I’m brokenhearted,” one sad person recalled.

Here are a few more responses to the sad news:

• This is so shocking! Much love to Chef Anne’s family and friends.
• This is heartbreaking. Trail blazer for all of us female chefs. Her Sass was an inspiration. Sleep peacefully xxx.
• I’m not well versed in Chef Anne’s cooking expertise but I do remember stumbling upon her show on food network as a kid and I thought she had the coolest hair and brightest smile ever. RIP.
• Im actually crying. I loved her. One of her biggest fans.
• So heartbreaking…She was one of my favorite chefs to watch. I just watched her on the new TV series House of Knives. I will miss watching her teach and compete.

Loved For Giving Back So Much

Anne was dedicated to giving back. She supported City Harvest’s Food Council and served as an ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The chef had a good background in her career and was a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America with further training at Italy’s Culinary Institute for Foreigners.

Anne found some fame when she appeared as Mario Batali’s sous chef on Iron Chef America. Later, she hosted her own popular shows, including Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell, Beat Bobby Flay, and BBQ Brawl.

More From The Late Chef

Always busy, Anne also wrote books, and Cook Like a Rock Star, combined with Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire and Empower, made her popular with wanna-be cooks at home.  Notably, they loved her saying, “brown food tastes good.” 

Anne leaves behind her husband, Stuart Claxton, his son, Javier, her mother, sister, and brother, and huge numbers of fans who watched her on-screen.

Judging by all of the warm comments on social media, Anne Burrell will live on in kitchens everywhere. Did you enjoy watching her on your TV? Or, do you still look up her books for inspiration? Let us know in the comments below, and come back here often for all your celebrity news and updates.