Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 20, 2025 · Entertainment

Anne Burrell's Bold New Ventures: From TV to Acting Before Tragic End

Anne Burrell (seen in New York in April) had plans to expand her horizons as she had ambitions to try her hand at acting and was even taking improv classes before her tragic passing at 55

EXCLUSIVE: Shocking Twist in Anne Burrell's Tragic Death Investigation - Celebrities Pay Tribute to Beloved TV Chef

The culinary world is still reeling from the sudden passing of beloved Food Network star, Anne Burrell. Just days before her death at 55, the charismatic chef and TV personality had revealed plans to leave her signature series, Worst Cooks In America, behind and pursue a new passion - acting! In an interview with Tori Spelling's Misspelling podcast, Burrell confessed she was "dipping my toe" into the world of acting, taking improv classes and even joking about being the oldest student in the class.

But now, as the investigation into her tragic death takes a shocking turn, fans are left to mourn the loss of this fiery personality. According to sources close to the case, Burrell's body was found unresponsive on the shower floor by her husband, Stuart Claxton, with "unknown pills" scattered around her. The cause of death has not yet been released, but a possible cardiac arrest was indicated in the 911 call.

The television personality had taken a break from her show Worst Cooks In America for season 28 which baffled many fans

As news of her passing spread like wildfire, celebrities from across the food and entertainment industries paid tribute to Burrell's larger-than-life personality. Andrew Zimmern, host of The Big Food Truck Tip, delivered an emotional eulogy at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, calling Burrell a "trailblazer" and praising her boundless energy and capacity for love.

Meanwhile, fans are still reeling from the news, flooding social media with heartfelt tributes and memories of their beloved chef. Gigi Hadid, who appeared alongside Burrell on Beat Bobby Flay, shared a poignant post, saying, "I am heartbroken to hear of the loss of the Great Anne Burrell... As a longtime fan, getting to share this day with her was a dream come true."

Carla Hall, another Food Network personality, called Burrell an "incredible cook and teacher," while Carson Kressley, a close friend of Burrell's, revealed that he spoke to her just days before her death. Kressley shared a heartwarming post on his own Instagram page, saying, "Rest easy, Chef Anne... I'll see you again someday, dear friend."

This comes as Burrell's shock death investigation has taken another twist as chilling new information emerged about the scene where the chef was found dead on Tuesday.; pictured 2022

As the food world mourns the loss of this culinary icon, fans are left to wonder what could have been if Burrell had gotten to pursue her new passion in acting. But for now, it's clear that her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched and inspired with her infectious energy, love of food, and unwavering passion.

Sources:

  • The Scholarly Note.com
  • Food Network

Meanwhile many of Burrell's fellow Food Network personalities have paid tribute to her as most recently, Andrew Zimmern gave a touching speech about his friend at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen on Thursday evening

Tribute Posts:

  • Gigi Hadid: "I am heartbroken to hear of the loss of the Great Anne Burrell... As a longtime fan, getting to share this day with her was a dream come true."
  • Carla Hall: "Incredible cook and teacher"
  • Carson Kressley: "Rest easy, Chef Anne... I'll see you again someday, dear friend."

The New York Fire Department confirmed to Daily Mail that they were responding to a report of a cardiac arrest at 7.50am on Tuesday

After earning a degree in English and Communications from Canisius College in Buffalo in 1991, she followed her culinary dreams and enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, graduating in 1996

She was later thrust into the spotlight and became best known as the longtime host of Worst Cooks in America, seen here with her friend Rachael Ray

Elsewhere, she appeared on Chef Wanted, Chopped, Food Network Star, and most recently, competition series House of Knives - which premiered in March this year

Chef Carla Hall, who previously appeared on Food Network's Top Chef, called Burrell an 'incredible cook and teacher'

Queer Eye for the Straight Guy star Carson Kressley, who was a close friend of Burrell¿s, revealed that he spoke to her just days before her death