Food Network hosts and stars are paying tribute to Anne Burrell following the announcement of her passing on Tuesday.
Food Network Stars Honor Anne Burrell
Food Network hosts and stars are paying tribute to Anne Burrell following the announcement of her passing on Tuesday.
Anne Burrell’s Culinary Journey
After earning a degree in English and communication from Canisius College in Buffalo, New York, she graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1996 and furthered her studies at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners in Asti, Italy. Burrell made her television debut in 2005 on The Next Iron Chef. She subsequently appeared in numerous Food Network programs, including her first hosting role in 2008 on Secrets of a Restaurant Chef.
A Beloved Presence on Food Network
Burrell hosted Worst Cooks in America alongside Beau MacMillan for 27 seasons, becoming a staple personality on the network. Other shows she participated in include Chopped, Celebrity Food Fight, Cutthroat Kitchen, Cooks vs. Cons, Food Network Star, The Kitchen, Beat Bobby Flay, Wildcard Kitchen, and House of Knives.
Tributes from Fellow Chefs
Bobby Flay, a prominent Food Network star, shared his memories of working with Burrell on his Instagram Story, stating, “Worst Cooks in America was the funnest show on TV. All of your co-hosts (me included) were just alongside for the Anne Burrell ride. The greatest gift I got from AB was turning me on to a world of Main Coon Cats (including Nacho)… a gift that I’ll have forever. #unforgettable.”
Rachael Ray, another cherished chef from the network and one of Burrell’s bridesmaids, expressed her sorrow on Instagram, writing, “The news about Anne has truly shaken us. I can’t quite believe it — such a strong, vibrant, fearless woman, so full of life and love, could be gone so soon. Anne was a rockstar!”
Food Network also shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, stating, “Anne was a remarkable person and culinary talent – teaching, competing, and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring.”
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Michael Symon, who co-hosted Worst Cooks with Burrell, wrote, “Rest easy chef .. you have gone way too soon .. a cooks cook who was as competitive as anyone I knew .. your love for teaching & zaniness was unmatched.”
Elizabeth Falkner, a longtime competitor and judge on Food Network, shared her memories with Burrell, recalling their time together in the early days and expressing her sadness at the loss.
Guy Fieri simply stated, “Rest easy, @chefanneburrell.”
Shirley Chung, who recently competed with Burrell on House of Knives, expressed her heartbreak, stating, “Chef Anne, it was my honor to be able to cook next to you. I can’t believe you are gone so soon.”
Katie Lee Biegel, co-host of The Kitchen, expressed her sadness, saying, “Very saddened to hear of the news of Anne’s passing. She has such passion and enthusiasm for food, and brought so many people joy. May she rest in peace.”
