Beloved Food Network star Anne Burrell has died aged 55.
The TV chef – who became synonymous with her trademark spiky platinum hair – passed away on Tuesday morning at her home in Brooklyn, New York.
“Anne was a cherished wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend—her smile illuminated every space she entered,” her family expressed in a statement shared with People.
‘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.’
She is remembered by her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married in October 2021 in a fall-inspired ceremony and celebration in her hometown of Cazenovia, New York.
Heartbroken fans have already flooded to leave comments on her most recent Instagram post that was shared just four days ago.
“This can’t be real. Chef Anne, you were lively, humorous, full of energy, and you reminded me of my Mom. I am so deeply sorry. Rest with the Angels and whip up something wonderful for us in Heaven,” someone commented.
Beloved Food Network star Anne Burrell has died aged 55
‘Prayers for your family. This feels so unexpected!
‘You were always one of our all time favorite chefs and seemed like a great person! I’m sure you’ll be missed by many!’ someone else shared.
‘RIP ANNE! I can’t believe this! We lost a good one!’ one wrote.
‘I was such a fan of you. I had been watching Worst Cooks for YEARS and just recently started watching newer seasons.
‘I am so sad. May you rest in peace,’ another penned.
Anne developed a passion for cooking at a young age, inspired by her mother’s home-cooked meals and by watching food icon Julia Child on television.
After earning a degree in English and Communications from Canisius College in Buffalo in 1991, she followed her culinary dreams and enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, graduating in 1996.
She worked at a whole host of New York City hotspots including Felidia and Savoy in Soho, where she honed her craft in Mediterranean cuisine.
The TV chef – who became synonymous with her trademark spiky platinum hair – passed away on Tuesday morning at her home in Brooklyn, New York
‘Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,’ her family said in a statement
She was later thrust into the spotlight and became best known as the longtime host of Worst Cooks in America.
The show, which ran for 28 seasons, saw celebrated chefs mentor amateur cooks in an attempt to transform them from rookies to kitchen experts.
Elsewhere, she appeared on Chef Wanted, Chopped, Food Network Star, and most recently, competition series House of Knives – which premiered in March this year.
The famed chef also penned two of her own cookbooks – Cook Like a Rock Star and Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire & Empower.
DailyMail.com has contacted Anne’s reps for further comment.
