Anne Burrell, the well-loved celebrity chef and Food Network personality, was discovered “unconscious and unresponsive” at her Brooklyn apartment on a Tuesday morning. Unfortunately, she was pronounced dead right there by authorities.
Her family confirmed the heartbreaking news, mentioning how much joy and energy she brought to any room she entered. “Anne was a loving wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend, her dazzling smile could light up any room,” their statement expressed.
“Anne touched countless lives worldwide with her radiant presence, and even though she’s no longer with us, her warmth and spirit will live on,” they further added. The cause of her death is still being investigated by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
In a report by People, it was revealed that the night before, Anne was involved in an improv event at The Second City New York. Sources describe her as “so great last night and very happy.” Witnesses said Anne was “her usual fun-loving self,” thoroughly enjoying her time and being in “high spirits” throughout the evening.
This sudden and unexpected event has been a difficult pill to swallow for many who saw her at the show just a day before, seemingly in perfect health.
Five days prior to her passing, Anne posted on her Instagram account, excitedly sharing her encounter with a local personality, “I ran into @greenladyofbrooklyn in my neighborhood today!! I’ve kind of been hoping to see her around. I may have followed her for a bit. She’s just lovely! #ilovewhatido #luckygirl 💚💚💚.”
Throughout her years in the culinary world, Anne was instrumental in nurturing numerous budding chefs, helping them to hone their skills and find their unique cooking flair.
In a past interview with TastingTable, she profoundly explained the connection between chefs and their creations. “I genuinely feel that when you’re cooking, your food senses your emotions and reacts accordingly,” she shared.
Anne Burrell Championed Mise en Place.
She always emphasized the importance of preparing ingredients in advance and maintaining a tidy kitchen as pivotal to a smooth operation.
Anne was renowned for hosting shows such as Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and All-Star Best Thing I Ever Ate, alongside appearing prominently on Iron Chef America.
Anne’s influence extended well beyond the realm of cooking. She was actively involved as a board member for the Garden of Dreams Foundation, acted as an ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and lent her support to City Harvest’s Food Council.
“I feel so fortunate to share my deepest passion in life with so many others,” she often said with gratitude.
Anne leaves behind her husband Stuart Claxton and his son Javier, in addition to her mother Marlene, sister Jane, and brother Ben.
Remember to share the warmth of Anne Burrell’s legacy with your loved ones.
