Food Network Star Anne Burrell, Host Of Worst Cooks In America, Dead At 55
Chef and TV personality Anne Burrell, whose many Food Network appearances included hosting Worst Cooks in America, has died at the age of 55.
Burrell died Tuesday at her Brooklyn home, her family confirmed in a statement to People: "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." (No cause of death has been announced.)
UPDATE: In July, New York Office of Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that Burrell died by suicide.
A native of New York, Burrell attended culinary school before working in several restaurants, including as the sous chef at famed chef Lidia Bastianich's New York restaurant Felidia. After working with chef Mario Batali, he brought Burrell on to serve as one of his sous chefs on Iron Chef America in 2005, and she returned several times thereafter. Burrell went on to become a Food Network staple, appearing on shows like Chopped and The Best Thing I Ever Ate.
In 2010, Burrell co-hosted a new Food Network competition series, Worst Cooks in America, which features hapless home cooks trying to improve under the supervision of trained chefs. Worst Cooks has gone on to run for 28 seasons, with Burrell paired up with a rotating set of chef mentors. Burrell stepped away from the show, though, for this year's Season 28, with Antonia Lofaso taking over as mentor.
Burrell's other Food Network appearances include The Next Iron Chef (where she finished fifth in Season 4), Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and Chef Wanted With Anne Burrell, which she hosted for three seasons.
Food Network paid tribute to Burrell in a statement posted on social media: "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."
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