For years, chef Anne Burrell was the host of Food Network’s Worst Cooks in America. With her signature spiky hair and a number of catchphrases that reminded chefs that “brown food tastes good,” she was an icon. Sadly, on June 17, news broke that Chef Burrell had passed away at the age of 55.
According to People Magazine, reps for the chef announced her death with a statement from her family. In that statement they shared that, “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.”
Chef Anne Burrell has died at the age of 55
Over the years, chef Anne Burrell was a staple of the Food Network. Not only as the host and one of the mentors on Worst Cooks in America (WCiA), but also on a number of other programs, including 2025’s House of Knives. We got to experience her cooking amazing dishes, both in competition and as a mentor, and there were a few tips and tricks that she would impart on chefs that have really resonated with many of us who watched her over the years. Some of her signature phrases, including her reference to brown food, are a big part of why we are fans of hers. And of course, her use of a marker to remind people not to hold the knife wrong on WCiA while cooking was pretty iconic.
Unfortunately, there’s no news as to what happened. And this definitely comes as a shock to many of us, especially if you followed her social media, in particular Instagram. Chef Anne had actually posted as recently as five days before her passing on Instagram. So the news of her death definitely comes as a shock.
However, as fans, this might be the perfect time to go back and watch some of her shows and competition series as a way to remember her and her vibrant personality.