Food Network Chef Anne Burrell Death Rumor Goes Viral—Here’s the Truth

Food Network star and “Worst Cooks in America” host Anne Burrell has died at the age of 55, leaving the culinary world and millions of viewers in shock and mourning. Found unresponsive in her Brooklyn home According to the New York City Police Department, officers were called to Burrell’s Cobble Hill residence around 7:50 a.m. on June 17, where they discovered her “unconscious and unresponsive.” Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene, and an autopsy will determine the official cause of death. Family and network statements Burrell’s family described her as “a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend—her smile lit up every room she entered.” They added, “Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.” The Food Network called her “a remarkable person and culinary talent” who shared “the joy that a delicious meal can bring.” A career built on passion and personality A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, the Cazenovia, N.Y. native first gained national attention as Mario Batali’s sous-chef on “Iron Chef America.” She went on to headline “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef,” “Chef Wanted,” and 14 seasons of “Worst Cooks in America,” where her trademark spiky platinum hair and tough-love coaching style turned struggling home cooks into confident competitors. Cookbooks and classroom roots Before television fame, Burrell taught at the Institute of Culinary Education, inspiring a new generation of chefs. She later authored two bestselling cookbooks—“Cook Like a Rock Star” (2011) and “Own Your Kitchen” (2013)—both praised for demystifying restaurant-quality dishes for home cooks. Last glimpse of a “lucky girl” Just days before her passing, Burrell shared upbeat Instagram posts dining with fellow chefs and inviting fans to her improv-comedy show, tagging herself #LuckyGirl and declaring, “I love what I do.” Tributes flood social media Colleagues including fellow “Worst Cooks” mentor Chef Jeff Mauro, Food Network judge Alex Guarnaschelli, and “Chopped” host Ted Allen have posted heartfelt tributes, thanking Burrell for her mentorship, humor, and fearless palate. Fans echo their sentiments, sharing favorite recipes and episodes that first inspired them to cook. What’s next for “Worst Cooks in America” Production company Optomen TV has paused filming on season 15 of “Worst Cooks in America.” Network insiders say discussions are under way about special tribute segments and whether to proceed with future episodes. How fans can honor her legacy • Cook one of her signature dishes—try her lemon-rosemary chicken or spicy arrabbiata pasta. • Donate to City Harvest, a hunger-relief organization she championed. • Share your own “before-and-after” kitchen success stories on social media with #CookLikeAnne. Anne Burrell’s charisma, culinary savvy, and contagious enthusiasm turned cooking into celebration. Her unexpected death leaves a void on the Food Network lineup, but her recipes, shows, and indomitable spirit will continue to inspire home chefs around the globe.