In the hours after news of Anne Burrell’s tragic death was reported, many Food Network stars and other famous chefs with ties to the late cook shared tributes to their colleague on social media.
“I am stunned and deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Anne Burrell. Anne wasn’t just a fiery chef. She was a radiant spirit who lit up every room she entered,” chef Robert Irvine, who worked with Burrell on “Worst Cooks in America,” wrote on Instagram.
“From the very beginning on Worst Cooks in America, our friendly rivalry was fueled by mutual respect: I’d risk bleaching my hair; she’d risk losing hers. An epic wager that epitomized her unbeatable spirit. It was a wager I ultimately lost, but I couldn’t imagine losing to a more fierce competitor.”
“Outside of ‘Worst Cooks’ I came to know her as a generous and supportive colleague and an even better friend,” he continued.
“Rest in peace, Chef. Your legacy as a champion of food, kindness, and empowerment will continue to inspire. Thank you for every lesson, every challenge, and every glorious moment. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten,” Irvine closed.
Chef Michael Voltaggio remembered the late chef by sharing a sweet photo of the hand-knit baby blanket she sent him after he welcomed his daughter Echo.
“Anne, thank you for sharing your talents with the world. Aside from being an incredible chef, teacher and colleague, she’s also a loyal and thoughtful friend. You consistently reached out to check in during the wins and the losses,” he wrote.
“Thank you for hand-knitting this beautiful blanket for Echo, and thank you for so many fun memories in and out of the kitchen, chef,” Voltaggio concluded, adding a red heart emoji.
“Worst Cooks in America” Season 20 contestant Denise Schroder also remembered her “wild ride” experience on the cooking show, saying she was “ecstatic” when Burrell chose her to join the red team
“I can remember running up to her screaming, telling her that I had just named my new cat after her, Kiki Anne,” she wrote in a lengthy Facebook post.
“To my utter surprise, the next day she brought her cats to sit and invited me to her green room to meet them! It was just one of those really cool moments!”
“Chef Anne was hard on us, but I loved her wit and humor… She gave me a lot of grace when I left the foot on my chicken and she would quietly encourage me to keep going! Rest in Peace!” she closed.
The famed chef was pronounced dead on Tuesday after she was found unconscious around 7:50 a.m. at her Brooklyn, NY, home. She was 55.
Burrell’s cause of death hasn’t been revealed, and an investigation is ongoing.
The “Worst Cooks in America” host was remembered by her family as a “beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend.”
“Her smile lit up every room she entered,” the family shared in a statement obtained by Page Six.
“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.”
The Food Network also released a statement in light of Burrell’s untimely passing.
“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. Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.” a Food Network spokesperson told Page Six.
She is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton — whom she married in October 2021 — and Claxton’s son, Javier.
The post Anne Burrell remembered by chefs and Food Network stars on heels of her sudden death appeared first on Page Six.
