Food Network star chef Anne Burrell, best known as the long-time host of “Worst Cooks in America,” has died at the age of 55. Burrell passed away at her Brooklyn home on Tuesday, June 17.
The cause of death has not yet been made public. However, a spokesman for the New York City Fire Department told Page Six that a 911 caller reported Burrell had gone into cardiac arrest. First responders found her unconscious and unresponsive, and she was declared dead on arrival.
Burrell family statement
Burrell is survived by her three children, a stepson, husband, her mother, and her brother and sister. Her family released this statement following news of her passing:
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered. 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.”
Food Network stardom
Burrell rose to fame with her fierce personality and passion for mentoring aspiring home cooks. Born in Cazenovia, New York, Burrell drew inspiration for cooking from her mother and the iconic Julia Child.
Food Network viewers were first introduced to Burrell as a sous chef on “Iron Chef America.” Her fiery presence and on-camera personality led her to her own show, “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef,” which began in 2008 and ran for nine seasons.
Burrell later became a household name through “Worst Cooks in America,” where she coached novice chefs into confident culinarians. She also appeared on “Chef Wanted,” “Chopped,” “Food Network Star” and “House of Knives,” which premiered earlier this year.
Besides television, she has also authored a pair of cookbooks: the New York Times bestseller “Cook Like a Rock Star” and “Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire and Empower.”
Philanthropic works
Off camera, Burrell was active in charitable causes. She served on the advisory board of the Garden of Dreams Foundation, acted as a celebrity chef ambassador to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and volunteered with City Harvest’s Food Council.
