From 'Rock Star Chef' to Finding Love: Anne Burrell's Inspiring Journey Ends Tragically
SCANDAL ROCKS THE FOOD WORLD: Beloved TV Chef Anne Burrell Dies Suddenly at 59, Just Months After Opening Up About Her Personal Life
The culinary world is in shock as news spreads that Anne Burrell, the fiery and talented host of The Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and Worst Cooks in America, has died suddenly at her Brooklyn apartment. The 59-year-old chef was found unconscious and unresponsive by authorities who responded to a cardiac arrest report around 7:50 am Tuesday.
As we remember the vibrant personality and impressive culinary skills of Anne Burrell, it's hard not to wonder what led to her untimely passing. Just two months ago, she opened up about her personal life on Tori Spelling's misSPELLING podcast, sharing intimate details about her marriage to Stuart Claxton, whom she met on Bumble in 2018.
"I was living my best life! I was like, living the rock star chef life," Anne said with a chuckle. "I was working a lot, and I had a great social life." But as she approached her 50s, priorities shifted. "I just started to feel like, all right, you're getting a little old to keep on doing this," she confessed.
Anne's journey toward settling down was marked by a series of unexpected twists. She met Stuart at Soho House in New York City, and they got married in 2021. The couple welcomed Anne's new role as stepmother to Stuart's 22-year-old son, Javier. "Kids were never on my radar, really," she said. "I love being an aunt. I have nieces and nephews. So I'm like, [being a stepmom] is the perfect amount of parenting for me."
Anne's friend and fellow chef Elizabeth Falkner, 59, recalled her shock at learning about Anne's passing. "I think Anne looks like she's in pretty decent shape these days, so it's kind of surprising to me," she said. The two chefs had recently reconnected at an intimate dinner party at Soho House on June 9, where they chatted about life and shared a laugh.
Anne's text message the next day, thanking Elizabeth for the invitation, seemed like a normal exchange – until her sudden passing just days later. "I'm just bummed," Elizabeth said. "I feel like [our friendship] just got cut really short fast."
As news of Anne's death spreads through the culinary community, tributes pour in from fans and fellow chefs alike. Her ability to balance her TV persona with her real-life passions made her a beloved figure. "When she came to the dinner at Soho House, she said that she was very much enjoying being a stepmother," Elizabeth shared. "And her husband's so sweet. She just seemed to be in such a good place."
Anne's passing is a huge loss for the restaurant community, where everyone involved is like family. Her friend and James Beard Foundation board of trustees member Elizabeth Falkner reflected on Anne's impact: "She wasn't only a TV chef, she was a really good, really good cook, really good chef. She educated a lot of people."
In the weeks leading up to her death, Anne spoke candidly about her marital bliss with Stuart. "October will be four years," she said at City Harvest gala in April. "It seems like it's been four minutes. I don't know if it's a honeymoon [phase], but I feel like it's settled into married life days which I really enjoy."
As we say goodbye to this talented chef, we remember her infectious personality and the joy she brought to those around her. Rest in peace, Anne Burrell.