Anne Burrell ‘in high spirits’ hours before sudden death
Anne Burrell, a beloved television chef, was found dead early Tuesday morning, June 17, in her Brooklyn, New York home. Police and emergency personnel discovered her “unconscious and unresponsive,” and the TV personality was pronounced dead on the scene. She was only 55 years old. The cause of death has yet to be confirmed, and family and fans are awaiting the findings of an autopsy done by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner.
According to all accounts, Burrell had no notion anything dreadful was about to occur. The “Worst Cooks in America” star seemed to be in good spirits the night before her death. According to her Instagram, Anne performed in an improv comedy concert at The Second City in Brooklyn on Monday, June 16, which marked the end of her improv class.
“Everyone said she was great last night and so happy,” a source told People. Another person who was with her at the concert verified, “She was in high spirits last night throughout and after the improv show. Anne is having a great time, as she usually is. According to the insider, everyone is still “shocked and confused” because Anne appeared to be OK after the event.
Final Instagram post. Looking back on Burrell’s social media in the weeks preceding up to her terrible death, it’s evident she was upbeat and optimistic. Just days before her untimely demise, the Food Network star made her farewell Instagram post. The beloved chef shared a photo of herself with NYC icon Elizabeth Eaton Rosenthal, also known as the Green Lady of Brooklyn.
Burrell captioned the cheerful snapshot of them posing on a Brooklyn street: “I ran into @greenladyofbrooklyn in my neighborhood today!!” I won’t lie, I’ve been keeping an eye out for her. I may or may not have followed her down the street for a moment. “She is simply lovely!!!” And just over a week before her death, on Monday, June 9, she posted on Instagram that she was “having an ABSOLUTE blast” taking improv courses.
In a previous post, she promoted her upcoming gig on Monday, June 16, sharing images with some of her students as well as a selfie taken inside the Second City theater. Burrell said she was enrolled in “Improv for Actors” on Wednesday, March 19, adding, “Can I just say it is SO much fun and I am learning SO much!!! It helps me come out of my shell, as if I needed it!! #IlovewhatIdo #Luckygirl.”
Then, on Monday, April 28, she announced the commencement of term 2 for the program, saying, “I’m THRILLED to be back!!” Born in 1969, Anne Burrell began her television career after teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education in the early 2000s. She immediately gained popularity, appearing on series such as Iron Chef America, Chef Wanted, Chopped, and Worst Cooks in America. Her most recent appearance was in March 2025 on the competitive series House of Knives.
Aside from her television job, Burrell was also a renowned novelist. In 2011, she wrote two cookbooks: Cook Like a Rock Star, a New York Times bestseller, and Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire and Empower. She is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, their son, Javier, her mother, Marlena, and her siblings, Jane and Ben.
Anne’s family issued an emotional statement following her terrible death, stating that she “was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered.” Anne’s brightness spread far beyond those she knew, impacting millions around the world. Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and infinite love are forever.”