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Anne Burrell’s heartbreaking gesture to Worst Cooks in America co-star before shock death at 55

BBG News

Before her unexpected passing at the age of 55, Anne Burrell made a touching gesture towards her fellow host on Worst Cooks in America.

Last month, Burrell, known for her shows like Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and Worst Cooks, tragically passed away in her Brooklyn apartment, with various medications nearby.

Her cause of death was confirmed as suicide this week.

As I eagerly anticipate the broadcast of her last episode on Worst Cooks in America: Talented and Terrible on July 28, my beloved co-host Gabe Bertaccini shared a heartfelt tale about the special farewell present she prepared for him once filming came to an end, from a fellow enthusiast like myself.

He shared with TV Insider about his last encounter with Burrell: ‘It was the conclusion. Everyone was exhausted after weeks of work. We were celebrating the end of filming, and I suddenly fell ill. I had a cold. I felt terrible. During the production meeting, Anne gave me a card. It read, “I hope you feel better.”‘

In the card, there’s a charmingly handcrafted heart that she had crocheted herself. She took pleasure in knitting and often did so while awaiting her shooting opportunities. This activity provided relaxation for her. The evening prior to obtaining her car, I still keep it. It was such a thoughtful gesture and entirely unnecessary. Yet, this embodies Anne perfectly – there was no trace of ego or competition.

It’s touching when someone goes out of their way to help their co-host, showing thoughtfulness and consideration. Such gestures create cherished memories that remain significant in my mind.

He commented about the ‘generous’ star: ‘Anne remained true to herself throughout the entire performance, during breaks, at dinner, in text messages, or whatever. There was a genuine quality that Anne exuded. Many people behind the scenes will attest to this; they all say she was simply being herself. I admired her.’

Based on reports from the New York City medical examiner’s office, it was determined that Burrell died due to an acute overdose caused by the collective influence of diphenhydramine, alcohol (ethanol), cetirizine, and amphetamines.

Diphenhydramine and cetirizine are two types of medications used to treat allergies, ethanol refers to the kind of alcohol found in beverages like beer or wine, while amphetamine is a stimulant frequently prescribed for individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Burrell’s family declined the publication’s request for comment. 

According to documents from the New York Police Department, as reported by The New York Times, the Food Network celebrity was discovered in a state of unconsciousness and unresponsiveness inside a shower filled with around 100 assorted pills.

In the house they shared with Stuart Claxton, emergency medical responders arrived, but unfortunately, they could only confirm her death on the spot.

On June 20th, an official representative from the city’s medical examiner’s office announced that the autopsy of Burrell had been finalized; however, they are yet to determine the precise reason for her demise.

According to reports, Claxton’s last sighting of his wife was around 1AM the previous night. He found her unconscious in their bathroom approximately 6-7 hours later.

This week, it was shared that EMS teams had tried to perform CPR on Burrell, unfortunately, they were unable to revive her.

In a released statement, it was expressed that Anne was cherished as a loving spouse, sibling, child, stepmother, and companion. Her presence, radiating warmth, illuminated every space she stepped into.

In a manner that reached much farther than just her acquaintances, Anne’s luminous presence affected millions worldwide. Even though she is not physically here anymore, the warmth of her heart, the vivacity of her soul, and the endlessness of her love live on eternally.

A representative from Food Network stated, “Anne was an extraordinary individual and gifted chef – she taught, competed, and consistently emphasized the significance of food in her existence, as well as the delight a scrumptious meal could offer.

‘Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.’

Right before she passed away, Burrell had given an impromptu performance at a comedy club in Brooklyn, following completion of courses at the club’s training facility.

Earlier this year, she had a conversation with Tori Spelling about enrolling in courses and her aspirations to broaden her experiences.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, let me share my recent endeavor: I’ve embarked on a new journey, diving into the world of acting. Interestingly enough, I kicked off this adventure just yesterday! Specifically, it’s an improvisational acting course tailored for actors, helping me to refine my skills and broaden my horizons in the performing arts.

Upon arrival, I found myself in a class with around eight attendees. I’m the eldest among them. Most of the others casually mentioned they hold Master’s degrees in Fine Arts, specializing in Theater.

Burrell displayed her well-known self-awareness and wit, poking fun at the difference in age compared to her peers, a characteristic her followers recognized.

She said: ‘I’m like, ‘okay, I’ve never taken an acting class. I don’t know, this is new to me.’

I sometimes ponder whether these charming and exceptionally skilled children might think, ‘Why is that elderly woman present here?’

During season 28, the popular TV host decided to step away from her series “Worst Cooks in America,” surprising many viewers. At that point, Anne Burrell, aged 52, questioned why she made this choice.

Burrell replied: “Yes, I can cook and handle TV work, but there’s more to me than that. I have other things I want to accomplish in life.

She also admitted that she was just ‘dipping my toe’ when it came to the pivot to acting.

Burrell shared: “I’m really thrilled about this project. I also have some other projects in the works that I can’t reveal just yet, but they promise to be quite exciting!

Gigi Hadid, known for her appearance on the show Beat Bobby Flay alongside Burrell, was among the celebrities voicing their sadness following Burrell’s passing.

‘I am heartbroken to hear of the loss of the Great Anne Burrell,’ the supermodel, 30, began.

Hadid included a photo of herself and Burrell from their time filming Beat Bobby Flay back in 2023.

As an ardent supporter for years, spending this day with her was like living a cherished dream. Beating Bobby and having the chance to relax together afterwards were moments she vividly remembered.

‘I wish we could have done it again. She was awesome. Rest in Peace Legend.’

Chef Carla Hall, a former contestant on Food Network’s Top Chef, praised Burrell as not only an exceptional chef but also an outstanding educator.

Carson Kressley, known from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, shared that he had spoken with Burrell not long before her passing.

He also shared a post to his own Instagram page which included a photo of him and Burrell.

‘Rest easy, Chef Anne. I’m so blessed I was able to work with you, learn from you, laugh with you. 

‘This photograph brings back so much precious memory, both captured on camera and those from real life. As they say, we were truly living at our best, Kressley commented.’

The well-known TV cook, known for her distinctive spiky platinum hair, is mourned by her husband, to whom she was married in October 2021 during an autumn-themed wedding and reception in her birthplace, Cazenovia, New York.

Apart from her, she is additionally left behind by her mom Marlene, her sibling Jane, as well as their kids Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas, along with her brother Ben.

As a child, Burrell cultivated a deep love for cooking, sparked by the delicious homemade meals prepared by his mother and captivated by the culinary expertise of television personality Julia Child.

In 1991, after receiving her degrees in English and Communications from Canisius College, Buffalo, she pursued her passion for cooking and attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, graduating in 1996.

In various popular restaurants throughout New York City, such as Felidia and Savoy in Soho, she spent time refining her skills in Mediterranean cooking.

Later on, she found herself center stage and gained widespread recognition as the long-term presenter of Worst Cooks in America.

Over the course of 28 seasons, the show featured acclaimed chefs guiding novice cooks, aiming to turn them into skilled kitchen professionals.

In other shows, she has been featured on Chef Wanted, Chopped, Food Network Star, and more recently, the premiere of House of Knives, which took place in March this year.

Apart from these, she authored two cookbooks under her name: “Cook Like a Rock Star” and “Own Your Kitchen: Recipes for Inspiration and Empowerment.

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2025-07-25 20:04

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