On June 17, New York City authorities confirmed the sudden death of Food Network star Anne Burrell, who was found unconscious and unresponsive at her Brooklyn home. According to the NYPD, the 55-year-old chef was pronounced dead at the scene following a cardiac arrest reported by emergency services. The incident occurred just one day after Burrell performed an upbeat improv show at The Second City New York, where colleagues and audience members described her as being in excellent spirits and ‘having a blast.’
Burrell’s family released a statement expressing their profound grief, describing her as a ‘beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend’ whose ‘smile lit up every room she entered.’ She also had a lasting impact on millions of fans worldwide through her work on ‘Worst Cooks in America,’ where she was known for her fiery critiques and unapologetic teaching style. The Food Network honored Burrell with an Instagram post, calling her a ‘remarkable person and culinary talent’ who shared the ‘importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring.’
Friends and colleagues, including People magazine, reported that Burrell was ‘in great spirits last night … Typical fun, outgoing Anne, having a blast,’ the night before her death. This raises questions about the suddenness of her passing, with no immediate signs of illness or distress. The Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death, and the investigation is ongoing. Burrell’s family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and the Food Network has pledged to honor her legacy as an influential figure in the culinary world and a beloved television personality.