Anne Burrell remembered by Gigi Hadid, Food Network colleagues: 'A beautiful soul'
Tributes are pouring in for Food Network star Anne Burrell, who is being remembered as an "incredible" chef and a "beautiful soul."
Burrell, known for her buoyant personality on numerous Food Network appearances including as host of "Worst Cooks in America," died on June 17 at her home in New York, the Food Network confirmed. A cause was not disclosed. She was 55.
In an Instagram story, Gigi Hadid, who joined Burrell on an episode of "Beat Bobby Flay" in 2020, said she was "heartbroken" about the chef's death. "As a longtime fan, getting to share this day with her was a dream come true," Hadid wrote on top of a photo from their episode. The model added, "I wish we could have done it again. She was awesome. Rest in peace legend."
Comedian Loni Love, who served as a guest judge on an episode of "Beat Bobby Flay" featuring Burrell, said in an X post that the chef's death left her "in shock and sorrow."
"She was a gifted chef, and an extraordinary person," Love wrote. "Chef Anne was the same on and off camera. She would just check on me out the blue. I will miss her tremendously. My condolences to her husband, family, (and) fans."
Food Network stars mourn Anne Burrell
Tyler Florence, who co-starred with Burrell on "Worst Cooks in America," said he was "heartbroken," recalling her "razor wit and sincere kindness" and noting that she "lit up the room."
"A very special person who shared her love of cooking with a generation," Florence wrote. "I was lucky to have a front row seat to watch her gift. She was an incredible Chef and I learned a lot from her as we all do with one another."
"Worst Cooks in America" stars Beau MacMillan and Robert Irvine also paid tribute on Instagram. MacMillan said that "some of the most fun and best memories are with" Burrell, while Irvine wrote that she "was a radiant spirit who lit up every room she entered."
"Outside of 'Worst Cooks' I came to know her as a generous and supportive colleague and an even better friend," Irvine wrote. "I'll always remember her unwavering dedication, not just to food, but to lifting others up. She believed in nurturing culinary potential and celebrating small victories, whether in an amateur cook or on a charity fundraiser."
Carla Hall also said on Instagram that she "absolutely loved" working with Burrell on "Worst Cooks in America," describing her as a "fierce" chef and instructor and remembering her "unforgettable big smile." Hall added, "Anne, you brought so much heart and heat to every kitchen. You. Will. Be. Missed."
Buddy Valastro, the star of "Cake Boss," said in an Instagram post that Burrell's "passion, energy, and love for food lit up every kitchen," adding that she was a "true force and a beautiful soul."
Chef Elizabeth Falkner wrote that she was "in shock" to hear about Burrell's death. One of Burrell's final Instagram posts was about a "delightful evening" the two shared, and Falkner noted they "just reconnected" last week and said they would "make a point of talking more often and getting together when we can."
"She was a fierce and fun culinary competitor and when we did 'Next Iron Chef' together years ago, we were competitive but we had fun too," Falkner wrote.
A Food Network spokesperson previously said in a statement that Burrell 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."
Rachel Ray, more Food Network alum remember 'vibrant' Anne Burrell
Rachel Ray, who cohosted several seasons of "Worst Cooks in America" alongside Burrell, shared an emotional tribute to Burrell on Instagram. "I can't quite believe it — such a strong, vibrant, fearless woman, so full of life and love, could be gone so soon," she wrote.
"Anne honored me by asking me to be her bridesmaid, something I'd only done once before for my sister. Despite being surrounded by incredible chefs, she never once made me feel self-conscious about not being one — she always treated me as one of the gang," Ray continued. "She was a force in the kitchen, in any room, in every life she touched."
Giada De Laurentiis wrote on Instagram: "Such a loss. Thank you for all the joy you brought to kitchens everywhere."
Aarti Sequeira fondly recalled Burrell's tough love when she was a contestant on the competition series "Food Network Star": "'You're doing great,' she said, 'but maybe don't cry so much on camera!', referring to my many instances of breaking down under the pressure of Food Network Star."
"Anne was a tough but invested teacher, who thought enough of you to tell you the truth without watering it down," Sequeira continued. "I always appreciated that she cared enough about a newbie to the game to give it to her straight."
"Chopped" judge Chris Santos gushed that Burrell had the "ability to bring so much joy to everyone in the room" on Instagram, while fellow panelist Maneet Chauhan reflected that the culinary personality "showed the world to live life with passion" and made "cooking fearless, fun and inspiring (for) the next generation of young girls/kids."
(This story was updated to add new information.)
Contributing: Edward Segarra