Additional Coverage:
- Anne Burrell Death Linked to Possible Overdose After New Report Reveals ‘100 Assorted Pills’ (parade.com)
Celebrity chef Anne Burrell, a fixture on the Food Network, has died at age 55. Burrell was found unresponsive in the shower of her Brooklyn apartment on the morning of Tuesday, June 17, and pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical workers. While the official cause of death is pending release from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, an NYPD report indicates she was found amongst a large quantity of pills.
Burrell’s career spanned over two decades, beginning with appearances as a sous-chef on Iron Chef America. She later became a household name as the host of Worst Cooks in America, a show that ran for an impressive 28 seasons.
More recently, Burrell had been exploring new avenues, including improv comedy. The Second City New York, where she had been taking classes and recently performed, posted a tribute praising her “joy, boldness, and unwavering ‘yes, and’ spirit.”
Friends and colleagues shared their memories of the chef, describing her as passionate and driven. Chef Elizabeth Falkner spoke of Burrell’s warmth and desire to reconnect with friends, while Andrew Zimmern recalled her excitement for upcoming projects.
Public figures also offered condolences, including Gigi Hadid and Duff Goldman. Tyler Florence, Burrell’s Worst Cooks cohost, paid a moving tribute, referring to Burrell’s signature star tattoos and calling her “one of the brightest” stars.
Burrell’s family released a statement celebrating her life and the impact she had on those who knew her, as well as the millions she touched around the world. She is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, and her stepson. A memorial service was held in Manhattan on June 20.