For over two decades, Anne Burrell was a beloved figure on the Food Network, where she captivated audiences with her culinary expertise, vibrant personality, and no-nonsense approach to cooking. Tragically, Anne passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday at the age of 55, leaving her fellow chefs and fans in mourning. Many in the culinary community took to social media to express their sorrow and share heartfelt tributes to their cherished colleague.
Tyler Florence, who co-hosted the popular cooking show “Worst Cooks in America” alongside Burrell for seven memorable seasons, shared a touching tribute on Instagram. He recalled their deep friendship, which blossomed both on and off the set, featuring family dinners and exciting adventures throughout New York City during filming. In his post, Florence reflected on Burrell’s passion for cooking and her unique star tattoos, which she described as a representation of her love for the night sky. “There’s a new star in the sky tonight. I see you Anne. With all your sparkle, looking down. Thank you for sharing your gift with us. We’re all lucky,” he wrote.
Anne Burrell first made her mark on the Food Network as a sous chef on “Iron Chef America”. In 2008, she took the helm of her own show, “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef,” which ran for an impressive nine seasons. Over the years, she became a regular presence on various cooking competitions, including “Chef Wanted,” “Chopped,” and “Food Network Star.” Her most recent appearance was on the competitive cooking show “House of Knives,” which premiered in March.
Carla Hall, who also co-hosted “Worst Cooks in America” with Burrell, paid tribute to her friend on Instagram. “She was a fierce chef and instructor—rocking her custom skirts, mismatched socks, and that unforgettable big smile,” Hall wrote. “Anne, you brought so much heart and heat to every kitchen. You. Will. Be. Missed.” Many fans and colleagues echoed Hall’s sentiments, recalling Burrell’s tough love approach as an effective teaching style, especially for the struggling amateurs on the show.
Aarti Sequeira, winner of “The Next Food Network Star” in 2010, remembered Burrell’s commitment to teaching. “Anne was a tough but invested teacher, who thought enough of you to tell you the truth without watering it down,” she shared in a heartfelt Facebook post. “I always appreciated that she cared enough about a newbie to the game to give it to her straight.”
Kardea Brown, the host of “The Delicious Miss Brown” on the network, expressed her disbelief at Burrell’s passing. “They say things you do for yourself will be gone when you’re gone… but things you do for others will remain as your legacy forever,” she wrote on Instagram. “@chefanneburrell you left us with so much.” Similarly, Sunny Anderson, another familiar face on the Food Network, conveyed her devastation with a simple message: “devastated,” accompanied by a broken-heart emoji.
Baker and TV personality Buddy Valastro, known from “Cake Boss,” also shared his sorrow. “Anne, your passion, energy, and love for food lit up every kitchen,” he stated. “You were a true force and a beautiful soul.” As the culinary world mourns the loss of this remarkable chef, Anne Burrell’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of cooks and food enthusiasts.
