Anne Burrell, mentor and food star, passes away

Anne Burrell, the larger-than-life chef who brought both humor and heart to the kitchen, has died at the age of 55.

Her family confirmed the news through People magazine, sharing that Burrell passed away Tuesday at her home in Brooklyn. The NYPD said officers from the 76th Precinct responded to a call around 7:50 a.m. reporting “an unconscious and unresponsive 55-year-old female.” Emergency responders pronounced her dead on the scene. The official cause of death is still pending an autopsy from the Office of Chief Medical Examiner.

“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,” her family said in a statement.

Burrell became a household name through her long-running role as host of Worst Cooks in America, which premiered in 2010. The show paired inexperienced home cooks with seasoned chefs, and Burrell’s quick wit and tough-love mentoring made her a fan favorite. The series has aired 28 seasons, although Burrell did not appear in the latest installment, with Antonia Lofaso stepping in as mentor.

Before her television fame, Burrell spent years honing her craft in the kitchen. A New York native, she studied at culinary school and later worked as sous chef at Lidia Bastianich’s restaurant Felidia. Her skills eventually led her to Iron Chef America, where she worked alongside Mario Batali as sous chef, earning recognition from the culinary world.

Anne Burrell’s vibrant presence and culinary expertise made her a beloved figure on and off screen. Her legacy lives on in the countless home cooks she inspired and the audiences who welcomed her into their kitchens.