Chef Tyler Florence, Sunny Anderson and more pay tribute to late Food Network star Anne Burrell
Chefs and Food Network stars are remembering Anne Burrell.
Burrell, a longtime co-host of Food Network's "Worst Cooks in America," died Tuesday morning at her home in New York, according to her representatives. She was 55.
No cause of death has been shared at this time.
Sandra Lee, a former Food Network star of the show "Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee," was among the first to pay tribute to Burrell on social media.
In an Instagram post, Lee said, "My heart is broken that you're no longer here but I'm so grateful that we had such wonderful moments together."
"You were the next generation of light in the culinary Food Network world," she added. "I hope you have so much fun in heavens kitchen."
See more tributes below.
Tyler Florence
Burrell's longtime co-host of "Worst Cooks" for seven seasons, called the pair's friendship a "true gift" in a post on Instagram.
"If you make it onto the Food Network, you’re lucky. Not only do you get a chance to share your passion for food and cooking with millions of people, but your colleagues… the ones you work with, hang out with, travel the world with, go to food festivals with, and learn from, that’s the true gift," he wrote.
Sunny Anderson
Anderson, who appeared on shows like "Beat Bobby Flay" with Burrell, posted two photos on Instagram alongside the late chef.
The first picture was the pair dining at a bistro table in New York City French hotspot, Pastis.
"Devastated," Anderson wrote in the caption alongside a broken heart emoji.
Elizabeth Falkner
The west coast-based award winning chef, co-star and longtime friend of Burrell's added her own sentiments following the shocking news on Tuesday.
"I just reconnected with Anne last week when I was in NYC and we were saying, let’s just make a point of talking more often and getting together when we can," Falkner wrote.
"It’s always so strange to post things on Instagram like this, but I just want to say that I always admired her and her cooking," she continued. "She was a fierce and fun culinary competitor and when we did Next Iron Chef together years ago, we were competitive but we had fun too. Especially one night when we went karaoke singing in Santa Monica."
Falkner reminisced adding, "I feel blessed that she came to my dinner and she thanked me profusely for inviting her. We made a vow to be even better friends."
"You will seriously be missed Chef."
Robert Irvine
Chef Robert Irvine, who is known for co-hosting "Worst Cooks in America" with Burrell as well as "Restaurant: Impossible" and more, said in an Instagram post that he is "stunned and deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Anne Burrell."
"Anne wasn’t just a fiery chef. She was a radiant spirit who lit up every room she entered," he said. "From the very beginning on Worst Cooks in America, our friendly rivalry was fueled by mutual respect: I’d risk bleaching my hair; she’d risk losing hers. An epic wager that epitomized her unbeatable spirit. It was a wager I ultimately lost, but I couldn’t imagine losing to a more fierce competitor."
He continued and said that he grew to know Burrell outside of "Worst Cooks" as a "generous and supportive colleague and an even better friend."
"Rest in peace, Chef," Irvine added. "Your legacy as a champion of food, kindness, and empowerment will continue to inspire."
Carla Hall
"Top Chef" alum Carla Hall commented on Food Network's post about Burrell and called the chef an "incredible cook & teacher. She will be missed. 🙏🏽"
Stephanie Izard
Stephanie Izard, who was the first female chef to win "Top Chef," shared a photo of her and Burrell and captioned the post, "Such a vibrant personality and radiant smile and talent that will not be forgotten."
"@chefanneburrell you were a true inspiration for so many," Izard added. "My heart goes out to your family and loved ones 💔"
Ming Tsai
Chef and television personality Ming Tsai reacted to Food Network's post about Burrell and commented, "This is so so so sad. We lost a good one here…….."
Ty Pennington
HGTV star Ty Pennington commented on Food Network's post and wrote, "Unbelievably sad 💔😔 Rest In Peace"
Chris Valdes
Chris Valdes, a "Food Network Star" contestant, added in the comments, "Heartbroken by the loss of Chef Anne Burrell. A true culinary force -- bold, passionate, and unforgettable. Her fire, laughter, and love for food inspired so many."
Aarón Sanchez
Chef Aarón Sanchez, who Burrell competed on "Chopped All-Stars Tournament" with in the show's inaugural season, took to Instagram and shared a heartfelt post for his colleague.
"I'm heartbroken by the loss of my dear friend, Chef Anne Burrell," he wrote alongside a photo of the two of them. "Her spirit, her fire, her talent, her leadership, her laugh—unforgettable. I’ll carry her memory with me always. Rest easy, amiga. 💔"
An earlier version of this story was originally published June 17, 2025.
