The culinary community is still in shock following the unexpected passing of beloved celebrity chef Anne Burrell, renowned for her work on “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef” and “Worst Cooks in America.” Burrell died suddenly in her Brooklyn apartment earlier this week, with reports indicating she suffered a cardiac arrest. Friends and fans alike are grieving the vibrant personality who brought energy and warmth to every kitchen she entered.
Restaurateur and close friend Melba Wilson, who shared a strong connection with Burrell, spoke to TMZ about their final conversation just one week prior to Burrell’s untimely death. Wilson revealed that Burrell showed no signs of illness and appeared “healthy, vibrant, and beautiful” during their recent chat. “Anne never mentioned anything about being sick. That’s why this is such a shock to us,” Wilson expressed.
“She was healthy. She was vibrant. She was beautiful… Fifty-five, this is not supposed to happen to a healthy 55-year-old. It’s unbelievable to know that someone so full of life is no longer with us.” The two had recently celebrated Burrell’s birthday together, bonding over karaoke, games, dancing, and backgammon. “We talked about karaoke because we love to do karaoke,” Wilson recalled, emphasizing that Burrell was “totally fine.”
Wilson first met Burrell on Beat Bobby Flay, which sparked their enduring friendship. She reflected on Burrell’s lasting impact, highlighting “laughter” as her legacy and recalling her generosity, especially during their last collaboration handing out turkeys to families in need during Thanksgiving 2024.
BOBBY FLAY MOURNS ANNE BURRELL WITH EMOTIONAL TRIBUTE
Tributes continue to flow in, including a heartfelt message from Burrell’s longtime friend and fellow celebrity chef, Bobby Flay. Sharing a photo of Burrell cuddling her two cherished cats, Flay reminisced about the special gift she gave him: introducing him to the world of Maine Coon cats, including his own feline companion, Nacho. “The greatest gift I got from AB was turning me on to a world of Maine Coon Cats (including Nacho)… a gift that I’ll have forever,” Flay wrote.
Flay, who co-hosted four seasons of Worst Cooks in America with Burrell, added, “All of your co-hosts (me included) were just alongside for the Anne Burrell ride.” He concluded with the hashtag: #unforgettable.
Fans also expressed their grief on social media. One viewer shared, “I watched Anne weekly on ‘Worst Cooks in America’ reruns. It honestly resets me and calms me down from the anxiety of the world. Heartbroken she is gone.” Another said, “I loved her so much, she was such a wonderful soul.”
Burrell’s sudden death leaves a significant gap not only in kitchens nationwide but also in the hearts of countless friends, colleagues, and viewers who cherished her infectious energy and culinary brilliance.
