(NEXSTAR) — Chef Anne Burrell, well-known for her appearances on multiple Food Network shows, has died. She was 55 years old.
Representatives confirmed Burrell’s death to Nexstar, saying in a statement that Burrell died at her home in New York. Her death was first reported by People. According to TMZ, authorities were called to the home after Burrell was found unresponsive. A cause of death has not yet been released.
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” Burrell’s family said in a statement shared with Nexstar. “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.”
Burrell grew up in upstate New York and attended Canisius College in Buffalo, earning a degree in English and communications, her Food Network biography reads. She later attended the Culinary Institute of America and the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners. Burrell used that knowledge to work in some of New York City’s top restaurants.
She spent more than three years teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education before returning to restaurant life, according to a statement from her representation.
Burrell made her Food Network debut on “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef.” She and her iconic spiky hair quickly became fan-favorites, and she went on to appear in multiple shows on the network. That includes participating as a competitor on “Iron Chef America,” a judge on “Chef Wanted,” the host of “Worst Cooks in America,” and as a guest star on “Beat Bobby Flay.” You may also recognize her from “Chopped,” “Food Network Star,” and “House of Knives.”
Anne Burrell’s work can also be found on bookshelves. She wrote two cookbooks, “Cook Like a Rock Star” and “Own Your Kitchen,” both of which became New York Times best-sellers.
“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,” a spokesperson for Food Network said in a statement to Nexstar. “Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.”
Recently, Burrell had been partnering with CareRite Centers to bring a Signature Culinary Excellence program to the company’s rehabilitation and nursing centers to “[redefine] what it means to dine well while healing.” Press releases show she had worked with facilities in Florida, Tennessee, New Jersey, and New York this year.
She is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married in 2021. They share a son, Javier, from Claxton’s previous marriage.
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