Bobby Flay, Rachael Ray, Guy Fieri and More Food Network Stars Pay Tribute to Anne Burrell

Food Network personalities, including hosts and celebrities, have expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Anne Burrell following the announcement of her passing on Tuesday.

Following her graduation from Canisius College in Buffalo, New York with a degree in English and communication, she also graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1996 and furthered her studies at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners in Asti, Italy. Burrell first appeared on television in 2005 on The Next Iron Chef. Subsequently, she was featured in various Food Network shows, including her initial hosting role with the 2008 series titled Secrets of a Restaurant Chef.

She spent 27 seasons as a co-host for “Worst Cooks in America” with Beau MacMillan, establishing herself as a well-known figure on the Food Network. She also made appearances on various other Food Network shows such as “Chopped”, “Celebrity Food Fight”, “Cutthroat Kitchen”, “Cooks vs. Cons”, “Food Network Star”, “The Kitchen”, “Beat Bobby Flay”, “Wildcard Kitchen” and “House of Knives”, even competing on some of them.

As a huge fan of Bobby Flay, it’s always exciting to see his reflections on his television journey. On his Instagram Story recently, he reminisced about the unforgettable time spent working alongside Anne Burrell on “Worst Cooks in America.” He fondly recalled that we were all just passengers along for the Anne Burrell ride. The most valuable lesson he received from her was an introduction to the enchanting world of Main Coon Cats, like Nacho, a gift that has left an indelible mark on him. #unforgettable

Rachael Ray, another cherished chef from the network and one of Burrell’s bridesmaids, shared a touching tribute on Instagram, expressing, “The news about Anne has left us all stunned.” In her message, she said, “It’s hard to accept – such a powerful, vivacious, fearless woman, filled with energy and affection, could depart so swiftly. Anne was extraordinary! I grew close to her during our time on Worst Cooks on Food Network, and she was more than just a coworker. … I will always remember the mornings at Food Network studios when I’d hear her playing the latest hit down the hall. Anne had impeccable taste in music and in life – she was a powerhouse in the kitchen, an impactful presence in any room, and left a lasting impression on every life she touched.

Food Network also shared on Instagram, “Anne was an exceptional individual and gifted chef – she taught, competed, and consistently emphasized the significance of food in her existence and the delight that a scrumptious meal could evoke.

Michael Symon, who shared the stage on “Worst Cooks” with Burrell, posted on Instagram: “Rest peacefully, chef. You’ve left us far too soon. A cook who was as competitive as anyone I knew, your passion for teaching and eccentricity were unrivaled. My heart goes out to your family. I hope you are in a blissful place where socks don’t have to match, there’s an abundance of highlighters, and hockey from the Rangers is always playing.

Elizabeth Falkner, a long-time competitor and judge on Food Network, shared on Instagram that she had reconnected with Burrell before her passing. In her post, she reminisced about their past encounters in the early days of New York City, where they would spend late nights together here and there. They were both formidable rivals in the culinary world, but during their time on “The Next Iron Chef” years ago, they managed to have fun as well. One memorable moment was when they went karaoke singing in Santa Monica, simply enjoying each other’s company and laughter. Last week, it was a pleasure for her to see Burrell again, and she felt grateful that Burrell attended her dinner. They made a promise to strengthen their friendship even more. Her absence will surely be felt deeply; she was truly one of a kind.

Guy Fieri, another standout star from the network, wrote on X, “Rest easy, @chefanneburrell.”

As a gamer, I’d rephrase it like this: “Anne, the chef I teamed up with on House of Knives, recently passed away. It was an honor to cook beside you and learn from your wisdom. I still can’t believe you’re gone so soon. We were just exchanging messages about sharing tacos and knitting blankets last week, planning a celebration for our fresh starts… I couldn’t fathom this reality, my heart is heavy. Rest in Peace, my friend.

Katie Lee Biegel, a co-host on The Kitchen, shared on her Instagram Stories that she is deeply sorrowed by the news of Anne’s death. Anne had an incredible zest and energy for food, and her culinary efforts brought immense pleasure to countless people. May she find eternal peace.

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