Anne Burrell reportedly found dead hours after improv show debut at The Second City NYC

Anne Burrell seemed to be riding a wave of joy just hours before her sudden death. The celebrated chef and TV host passed away on Tuesday morning, June 17, at her Brooklyn apartment. She was 55. Her reps confirmed the news in a release shared with People Magazine.

The night before, she had been on stage at The Second City New York in Brooklyn, performing in what appeared to be the final show of an improv class she’d recently completed.

Actor Jane Margles, who performed alongside Anne Burrell, posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram Stories:

“Spent last night enjoying Anne’s cooking and doing an improv show together. Still in shock but so glad I got to know you,” she wrote, adding a white heart emoji.

People who were with her that night say she was in high spirits.

“Everyone said she was so great last night and so happy,” a source told People.

Another person who saw her perform said Anne Burrell was

“In great spirits last night during and after the improv show. Typical fun, outgoing Anne, having a blast.”

Anne Burrell embraced a new creative path shortly before her death:

Anne Burrell’s social media feed in her final weeks offered a window into a new chapter. Her new endeavor was filled with creativity, laughter, and personal growth.

On June 9, just eight days before her death, she posted that she was “having an ABSOLUTE blast" with her improv classes.

The journey had started months earlier. On March 19, she announced she was taking a course called “Improv for Actors” at Second City’s New York campus.

“Ok… sooooooo a little update into the ‘Anne Burrell’ world. I know I have been kinda quiet of late. BUT I am taking ‘Improv for Actors’ at @secondcitynyc !!! Can I just say it is SO much fun and I am learning so SO much!!! It really helps me get out of my shell… as if I needed that!! #ilovewhatido #luckygirl,” she wrote at the time.

In her final post, Burrell looked ahead to her upcoming performance on June 16. Alongside the announcement, she shared snapshots from the experience—a selfie at the venue, and a photo with classmates she seemed genuinely proud to stand beside.

Second City New York honored Anne Burrell’s memory in a heartfelt tribute shared on an Instagram post.

“We’re are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and student, Anne Burrell," the statement read.

"She will be missed and remembered as a vibrant part of our Second City New York Training Center community. Anne brought joy, boldness, and an unwavering 'yes, and' spirit. Her enthusiasm was contagious, her presence unforgettable. Our thoughts go out to Anne’s family and loved ones."

Before embracing improv, Burrell had built a lasting legacy in the culinary world. After teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education in the early 2000s, she transitioned to television, eventually becoming a familiar face on several Food Network programs.

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Her credits included Iron Chef America, Chef Wanted, Chopped, and Worst Cooks in America. Most recently, in March 2025, she appeared on the competition series House of Knives.

Burrell also authored two cookbooks. Her first, Cook Like a Rock Star (2011), became a New York Times bestseller. She followed it with Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire and Empower.

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