Fans are still reeling from the sudden loss of beloved chef and Food Network star Anne Burrell, who passed away unexpectedly at age 55. Found unresponsive in her Brooklyn home on June 17, emergency crews were unable to revive her. With the official cause of death still pending an autopsy, her family, friends, and countless fans remain heartbroken and searching for answers.

What makes her passing even more heartbreaking is how vibrant and full of life she was just hours before. On June 16, Anne performed in the grand finale of her improv class at The Second City in Brooklyn. Friends described her as glowing—laughing, energetic, and in great spirits. “She was so happy last night,” one source shared, capturing the disbelief that now surrounds her loss. Days earlier, she joyfully posted about a run-in with Brooklyn’s Green Lady, showing the same warmth and humor that defined her career.

Anne’s enthusiasm for improv and life was clear in her social media, where she called her classes “an absolute blast” and joked about stepping out of her shell—“as if I needed that!” Beyond her television success with Worst Cooks in America and Iron Chef America, Anne was also a bestselling author and mentor, empowering home cooks with joy, humor, and fearless encouragement.

She is survived by her husband Stuart Claxton, her stepchildren, and her close-knit family. In their tribute, they wrote, “Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew.” And indeed, her radiant spirit will continue to inspire hearts in kitchens everywhere.