Anne Burrell Passed Away On June 17
Celebrity chef Anne Burrell passed away on Tuesday, June 17, after being found unresponsive in her New York home.
Her family announced her passing in a statement provided to PEOPLE, saying,
“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.”
Burrell revealed shortly before her passing that she had been taking improv classes at New York’s Second City Theater. Her class performed at an improv comedy show on Monday, June 16, at 9 pm, and a source told PEOPLE that she “was in great spirits last night during and after the improv show. Typical fun, outgoing Anne, having a blast.”
Another source told the publication, “Everyone said she was so great last night and so happy.”
A 9-1-1 call was made at 7:50 AM on July 16, when Burrell was “discovered in the shower unconscious and unresponsive.”
Her death at first was being reported as a cardiac arrest, but in recent days, TheNew York Times has reported that her death is under investigation as a possible drug overdose after an NYPD document stated she was found “surrounded by approximately 100 assorted pills.”
Friends And Colleagues Pay Tribute
Food Network, where she appeared on countless cooking shows and was a long-standing host and mentor on the show Worst Cooks In America, paid tribute to the chef on social media, writing, “We are deeply saddened to share the news that beloved chef, Anne Burrell, passed away this morning. Anne was a remarkable person and culinary talent – teaching, competing and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring. Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.”
View this post on Instagram
Rachael Ray, who served as a bridesmaid at Anne’s 2021 wedding, posted a lenghty and heartfelt tribute on Instagram. See it below.
View this post on Instagram
See more tributes below.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Food Network Announces Anne’s Final Season Of Worst Cooks
The show Worst Cooks In America premiered in 2010 with Anne Burrell and Beau MacMillan serving as mentors and hosts. Burrell remained in her position as Red Team Mentor for 27 seasons, with many different celebrity chefs joining her on the show as the Blue Team Mentor over the years.
The Blue Team Mentors were Robert Irvine, Bobby Flay, Rachael Ray, Tyler Florence, Alton Brown, Alex Guarnaschelli, Carla Hall, Michael Symon, Cliff Crooks, Jeff Mauro, Darnell Ferguson, and Tiffany Derry.
Burrell was not asked back for Season 28, which premiered in January 2025, and was replaced by Antonia Lofaso and Jeff Mauro. In the comments section of an Instagram post on January 10, a fan asked why she wasn’t on the season, and Burrell replied, “Honestly I don’t know.”
On June 23, Food Network announced that Burrell returned for Season 29 of the show, and gave it a premiere date.
Food Network revealed that they will be airing select episodes of Worst Cooks In America in honor of Burrell that will “highlight her extraordinary talent as a chef, competitor, and teacher.”
In the same post, they announced Burrell came back for Season 29 of Worst Cooks and that her final season as a mentor will premiere on July 28th at 9pm. Chef Gabriele Bertaccini will join her as a mentor for the first time.
Watch the first episode of their tribute below.
