NEW YORK - Anne Burrell, a chef and television personality whose joyful demeanor made her a beloved fixture on the Food Network, has died, according to the network. She was 55.
Burrell died last Tuesday morning at her home in New York, the network said. Burrell’s family said in a statement provided by the Food Network that her “light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world.” “Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal,” their statement added.
A Food Network spokesperson added: “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. Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.” No cause of death was provided.
A spokesperson for the New York Police Department told CNN in a statement that officers responded to an address associated with Burrell around 7:50 a.m. ET last Tuesday morning. “When officers arrived, they observed a 55-year-old female unconscious and unresponsive. EMS responded and pronounced the female deceased at the scene,” the statement read. The investigation is ongoing. CNN has reached out to the New York City Medical Examiner’s office for comment. CNN has also reached out to a direct representative of Burrell.
Burrell was a legendary chef but was best known as one of the Food Network’s most popular stars, having appeared in several of the network’s series including Worst Cooks in America, Iron Chef America, Chef Wanted with Anne Burell and The Best Thing I Ever Ate, among many others. Inspired by Julia Child and her own mother’s cooking talents, the New York native became enmeshed in the culinary scene when she enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America after graduating college with an English and Communications degree from Canisius College in Buffalo, according to a biography. She went on to attend the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners following her grauation in 1996, where she served an apprenticeship at La Bottega del ‘30, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Umbria, Italy, according to the bio provided by the Food Network. (CNN/ Getty Images)
