Anne Burrell’s last social media message has surfaced after her tragic de@th in which fans paid tribute to the legendary actress.The well-loved Worst Cooks in America host and Food Network staple was found “unconscious and unresponsive” at her Brooklyn home in the early morning of June 17.
Unresponsive at home What we know so far Burrell was found in her Brooklyn home at 7:50AM on the 17th of June. NYPD officials claimed that the victim was “unconscious and unresponsive” and declared dead at the scene by EMS.An autopsy has been scheduled however no official cause for de@th has been disclosed. Burrell’s family confirmed the tragic news and released a touching statement shortly after the news of her de@th was revealed.
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” her family members wrote. Anne’s love for life was reflected far beyond the people she met and touched millions of people around the globe. Even though she’s not living with us, her warmth spirit, soul, and unending affections will remain forever. Five days prior, Burrell had shared a smiling picture on Instagram — which could turn out to be her final post.
EMS diagnosed her dead on the spot. She was 55.
Credit: Thaddaeus McAdams
On the 12th of June, on a Thursday, Burrell crossed paths with the 84-year-old New York City icon Elizabeth Eaton Rosenthal well-known by the name The Green Lady in Brooklyn. Their meeting was certainly the world to both of them.
Burrell posted the caption”I ran into @greenladyofbrooklyn today in my neighborhood I ran into her in my neighborhood today! I’m not going lie — I’ve been watching for her. I might or might not have seen her walk on the street for a few seconds. It was just beautiful and so sweet! #ilovewhatido #luckygirl.
In addition to her post, Burrell uploaded a sunny smiling photo of herself with Rosenthal and Rosenthal, both enjoying the New York sun.
Credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images
A day or two after the post was published, Rosenthal herself responded in the comments section.
“Hi Ann it was so much fun meeting you,” Rosenthal wrote. We will see you soon in the area […] The only thing I cook is coffee and preserves of figs from my tree of figs […] Love and hugs […] Elizabeth
In a post-comment made just two days earlier, Rosenthal extended a now-bittersweet invitation to the public: Please visit my yard and pick some figs whenever they’re ready […] generally, they begin to ripen in September, and then come visit my garden when it is sunny .
But, when Burrell’s de@th was announced, Rosenthal returned to the post with a more sad message. Dear Anne […] you are an amazing person to meet. I have never met that you […] I am so in love with you. I am so sorry, but do come to my backyard and spend time with me in all your love and beauty. I’ll be waiting to meet you.
When word of Burrell’s de@th became public the final Instagram post started to evolve into a memorial on the internet. Friends, fans and followers filled the post with messages of condolences and memories.
Someone wrote in a comment: This is like a dream. Your joy was infectious. Rest well, Anne.
Another comment note: What a shining shine you had. This photo speaks volumes about your heart.
Rest in peace, sweet lady. We will truly miss you A third comment.
Popular for her imposing performance for her role on Food Network, Burrell appeared on shows such as Iron Chef America, Chef Wanted, Chopped, and Worst Cooks in America. The most recent appearance she made was on House of Knives, which was aired in March 2025.
She co-authored two well-known cookbooks that include The New York Times bestseller Cook Like a Rock Star and Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to inspire and empower.
They are survived by their spouse Stuart Claxton, his son Javier as well as her mother Marlene and sister Jane and brother Ben and her three daughters Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas.
Our thoughts be with Burrell’s family, friends and fans in this moment.
