What did Anne Burrell say about her absence from Food Network? What we know amid beloved star’s passing

Anne Burrell, the beloved Food Network chef known for her vibrant personality and culinary skills, passed away on June 17, 2025, at 55. In the months leading up to her untimely death, fans noticed she was absent from Worst Cooks in America, a show she had been committed to since 2010. Her responses to fans' inquiries about her absence were heartfelt yet vague, which created a sense of speculation and concern over time.

Despite her social media posts, neither she nor the Food Network publicly commented on why she left the show at that time. In a separate reply, Burrell responded to a fan who inquired whether she was still with the network:

"I miss you guys!!!" Burrell responded to the fan.

Anne Burrell's response sparked further speculation regarding her professional situation, as she replied to other comments suggesting that she was uncertain why she was not on the show.

However, she appeared optimistic about returning to the show, telling one fan, “I will SO try,” when questioned about her potential return in the next season.

Off-screen, Anne Burrell was active on Instagram, giving fans a glimpse into her life. Just five days before her passing, she shared a series of photographs from a dinner event in Soho, displaying no public signs of distress. Her death sent shockwaves through the culinary and entertainment worlds. The cause of her death has not been disclosed, fueling speculation about her recent absence from television:

"Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered. Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world." Her family told People.

A look into Anne Burrell's career and legacy within the culinary world

Anne Burrell was born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, and quickly built a notable career in the culinary world, making her one of the most recognizable personalities on the Food Network. Inspired by her mom’s delicious meals and culinary icon Julia Child, Burrell chose to pursue a culinary path and set out to refine her skills at the Culinary Institute of America, where she earned her degree in 1996 (NDTV).

She further specialized in Italian cuisine by completing advanced courses at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners in Asti and gained practical Tuscany experience. In New York, he worked under Lidia Bastianich at Felidia and later took charge of the kitchen at the Manhattan eatery Savoy. Her sharp culinary instincts and bold personality ultimately led her into the television world, where she became a memorable figure on the Food Network.

Anne Burrell first appeared on Iron Chef America, hosted Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, and served as a beloved mentor for many years on Worst Cooks in America. Burrell also headlined other programs, including Chef Wanted, Chopped, and the most recent House of Knives in April 2025. Her cookbooks, Cook Like a Rock Star and Own Your Kitchen, were extremely appealing to home cooks.

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According to International Business Times, one of her most famous recipes is the “Excellent Meatballs,” which garnered more than 700 five-star reviews.

Outside the television sphere, Anne Burrell focused her passion on balanced eating and lifestyle changes, promoting techniques to make cooking healthier and more adaptable.

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