Latest news with #StuartClaxton
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
How tragic Anne Burrell ditched 'rock star chef life' to finally find love in her 50s before shock death
Beloved Food Network star Anne Burrell spoke candidly about finally settling down in her 50s—after years of 'living the rock star chef life'—just two months before she was found dead in her Brooklyn apartment. The Secrets of a Restaurant Chef host and longtime Worst Cooks in America co-host was discovered 'unconscious and unresponsive' around 7:50 a.m. Tuesday. The New York Fire Department confirmed to DailyMail they responded to a report of cardiac arrest, though her official cause of death is still under investigation by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. In a bittersweet twist, Burrell had recently appeared on Tori Spelling 's misSPELLING podcast, where she reflected on meeting her husband Stuart Claxton later in life—after living what she called 'the rock star chef life.' She said she met Claxton on Bumble after finally giving dating apps a shot in her late 40s. 'From when I was a kid, I don't know why, but I always was like, I am not getting married until I feel like I have something in life to share — until I have accomplished stuff,' she shared. In a bittersweet twist, Burrell had recently appeared on Tori Spelling 's misSPELLING podcast, where she reflected on meeting her husband Stuart Claxton later in life—after living what she called 'the rock star chef life' In her 20s and 30s, Burrell sai dshe embraced the whirlwind of her culinary rise. 'I was living my best life! I was like, living the rock star chef life. I was working a lot, and I had a great social life,' she said. But over time, her priorities began to shift. 'I just started to feel like, all right, you're getting a little old to keep on doing this,' she added, reflecting on what led her to seek something more grounded. That turning point eventually led her to Claxton, whom she married on Oct. 16, 2021. With the marriage, she also stepped into a new role—becoming a stepmother to Claxton's 22-year-old son, Javier. 'Kids were never on my radar, really,' the chef admitted. 'I love being an aunt. I have nieces and nephews. So I'm like, [being a stepmom] is the perfect amount of parenting for me.' The resrufaced interview comes after Burrell's friend and chef Elizabeth Falkner claimed that Burrell was in 'pretty decent shape' when she last saw her on June 9 at dinner in New York City. In an exclusive interview with Daily Mail, Falkner, 59, revealed, 'I think Anne looks like she's in pretty decent shape these days, so it's kind of surprising to me.' Not being able to comment specifically on any health issues, if any, she might've battled before her death, she did find her passing 'so sudden and shocking.' 'I know it is very personal to me what happened, and I can't believe somebody even younger than me has just passed away. It's close to home for all of us,' she said. 'The culinary family is like family, so this hurts a lot of us. We just all feel it.' The shock comes from seeing her a few days ago at an intimate dinner she hosted - which she of course was the chef for the 'fun night' - at Soho House on June 9. 'I've seen [her] over all these years, not just on television competitions and shows, but at different parties and events and stuff, and we've always been friendly. 'But just in the last month we've been texting. I said, "Come to my dinner at Soho House, it'll be great to see you." And she brought her husband and we just had such a good time,' she shared about how the famous chefs reconnected. 'It was just so sweet. So this is just really so sudden and shocking.' Burrell even texted her the following day on June 10 to let her know that she and her husband, Stuart Claxton, had a great time. 'She's like, "Thanks so much for inviting us. It was a truly lovely time and very delicious. Please send me some pics so I can post." Falkner paid tribute to Anne on her Instagram after hearing about the shocking news 'And I said, "It was so great to see you, Anne."' The pals even made a pact to 'talk more often.' 'We were like, "Let's just make a point of talking and texting more often,"' Falkner shared, while noting that she is 'very grateful' to have had a special night with the beloved chef and other guests last week. 'I'm just bummed. I feel like [our friendship] just got cut really short fast,' she added. The Worst Cooks in America alum spoke highly about being a mother. 'When she came to the dinner at Soho House, she said that she was very much enjoying being a stepmother,' Falkner said, referring to the star's stepson Javier, 20. 'And her husband's so sweet. She just seemed to be in such a good place. That's the best way for me to describe it. Because being a chef and being a television personality is two major full-time jobs, but enjoying your life outside of that can be challenging. And I think she was definitely enjoying her life outside of that whole world of the networks and all that stuff.' Burrell spoke exclusively with Daily Mail back in April about marital bliss. Her and Stuart got married in 2021 after meeting on a dating app in 2018. 'October will be four years,' she said at the City Harvest gala. 'It seems like it's been four minutes. I don't know if it's a honeymoon [phase], but I feel like it's settled into married life days which I really enjoy.' Falkner told Daily Mail, 'I'm just bummed. I feel like [our friendship] just got cut really short fast' (pictured is an exclusive photo of Falkner with her pal at Burrell's former Brooklyn restaurant, Phil And Anne's Good Time Lounge, shared with Daily Mail) Falkner, who appeared on cooking shows like Iron Chef and Top Chef, recalled meeting Burrell's husband before they got married in 2021. 'I randomly saw her in Rome outside of a restaurant, and I was like, "Oh my God, that's Anne Burrell walking by!" And we said hey and stuff,' Falkner revealed, noting that she and Stuart were on a 'pre-wedding trip.' Describing her passing 'really unfortunate,' 'so sad,' 'unexpected' and even 'tragic,' Falkner believes Burrell's death is a huge loss to the restaurant community since everyone involved is 'another kind of family.' Falkner, herself, said that being a chef is a 'highly stressful job,' but it was something that Burrell mastered throughout her career. 'The thing about Anne Burrell is she wasn't only a TV chef, she was a really good, really good cook, really good chef. She educated a lot of people,' the James Beard Foundation's board of trustees member told Daily Mail. 'I don't even know how she had the patience to do Worst Cooks in America, because I think that would be a challenging show to do patience wise. But she was the real deal. She could cook a lot. She had mad skills. It was always fun watching her cook. I told her I loved watching her on House of Knives.' She added, 'She's one of those people that's kind of intimidating and certainly hardcore as chefs can be. I mean, you kind of have to be that way. It's the only way to teach people how to deal with ingredients and not to mess it up all the time. But she was definitely very sweet... She had a certain kind of sparkle.'
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Chilling new information emerges in Anne Burrell death investigation
An investigation into Anne Burrell's shock death has taken a dramatic twist after new information emerged about the scene where the chef was found on Tuesday. The beloved Food Network star died aged 55 at her home in Brooklyn, New York. Law enforcement sources told TMZ a large quantity of 'unknown pills' were found around where Anne died, while a separate source told The Post the pill quantity was in the 'dozens'. Insiders previously revealed Anne was found unresponsive on the shower floor by her husband, Stuart Claxton, early on Tuesday morning. He reportedly last saw his wife alive at around 1am the night before discovering her unconscious in their bathroom. contacted representatives for Food Network and Anne for comment but did not immediately hear back. Stuart contacted 911 and was allegedly advised by the operator to perform CPR on Anne. However, her body was said to be cold and it is not known if he performed CPR. A possible cause of death has now been indicated by the 911 call, with the New York Fire Department confirming to Daily Mail that they were responding to a report of a cardiac arrest at 7.50am on Tuesday. In a statement to Daily Mail, the New York City Police Department confirmed that they were called to an address in Brooklyn in response to a report about an 'unconscious and unresponsive' 55-year-old female. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death has not yet been reported by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, with an investigation ongoing. TMZ reports that EMS attempted CPR on Anne but could not resuscitate her. 'Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend - her smile lit up every room she entered,' her family said in a statement obtained by Tuesday. 'Anne's light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world. Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.' A Food Network spokesperson added: 'Anne 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. 'Our thoughts are with Anne's family, friends, and fans during this time of tremendous loss.' Heartbroken fans flooded the comments of her most recent Instagram post, with one writing: 'This can't be true. Chef Anne you were vivacious, hilarious, full of life and reminded me of my Mom. I'm so, so sorry. Rest with the Angels in Heaven and cook up a storm for us.' Another said: 'Prayers for your family. This feels so unexpected!' A third added: 'You were always one of our all time favorite chefs and seemed like a great person! I'm sure you'll be missed by many!' 'RIP ANNE! I can't believe this! We lost a good one,' a fourth wrote. Gigi Hadid, who famously appeared on the cooking competition series Beat Bobby Flay with Burrell, led the celebrities expressing their heartbreak over Anne's death. 'I am heartbroken to hear of the loss of the Great Anne Burrell,' the model, 30, began. She included a photo of herself and Anne from their time filming Beat Bobby Flay back in 2023. 'As a longtime fan, getting to share this day with her was a dream come true. Beat Bobby. Hang. Eat,' she recalled. 'I wish we could have done it again. She was awesome. Rest in Peace Legend.' Chef Carla Hall, who previously appeared on Food Network's Top Chef, called Anne an 'incredible cook and teacher'. Queer Eye for the Straight Guy star Carson Kressley, who was a close friend of Anne's, revealed that he spoke to her just days before her death. 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. So many memories - on screen and off - I cherish this photo of us living our best lives, as the kids say,' Kressley wrote. 'It's one of my favorite memories - just swimming in the ocean after a great lunch. Good food, good friends and lots of love and laughter all around. 'That's what I wish for you where you are now . I'll see you again someday, dear friend.' Her co-star and friend, Melba Wilson, also paid tribute to her. She told TMZ: 'Anne never mentioned anything about being sick. That's why this is such a shock to us. She was healthy. She was vibrant. She was beautiful. 'If you saw Anne, Anne could light up any room she walked into. So to know that she went to sleep and just didn't wake up is heartbreaking. 'Fifty five, this is not supposed to happen to a healthy 55-year-old. It's unbelievable to know that someone so vibrant and full of life is no longer with us.' And Bobby also paid tribute to Anne, writing: 'Worst Cooks in America was the funnest show on TV. All of your co-hosts (me included) were just alongside for the Anne Burrell ride. '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,' he said in reference to his pet cat Nacho.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Iron Chef' Star Found Unresponsive by Her Husband: TMZ
Food Network star Anne Burrell was reportedly found unconscious in her Brooklyn home by her husband Tuesday morning. Citing law enforcement sources, TMZ reported Wednesday that Burrell was found unresponsive on her shower floor by her husband of four years, Stuart Claxton, hours after he had last seen her alive. The outlet adds that Claxton reportedly saw Burrell at around 1 a.m. and then found her in their bathroom six to seven hours later. The New York City Police Department confirmed to People magazine Wednesday that Burrell was found 'unconscious and unresponsive' after receiving a 911 call, and was pronounced dead at the scene. The NYPD did not immediately respond to the Daily Beast's request for comment. Burrell's loved ones announced her shocking passing in a statement Tuesday. She was 55. An official cause of death has yet to be ruled by a medical examiner, though the New York City Fire Department told Page Six Wednesday that the incident was reported to them as a 'cardiac arrest.' 'Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend—her smile lit up every room she entered,' Burrell's family said in a statement. 'Anne's light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world,' they continued. 'Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.' Burrell was widely known for hosting popular cooking programs like Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and Worst Cooks in America. She also appeared on a number of culinary shows like Iron Chef America, Chef Wanted, and Chopped. The night prior to her passing, Burrell performed at an improv comedy show at The Second City New York, with one attendee telling People magazine: '[She] was in great spirits last night during and after the improv show. Typical fun, outgoing Anne, having a blast.' Burrell is survived by her husband; her stepson Javier; her mother Marlene; her sister Jane; her brother Ben; her nieces Isabella and Amelia; and her nephew Nicolas.
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Iron Chef' Star Found Unresponsive by Her Husband: TMZ
Food Network star Anne Burrell was reportedly found unconscious in her Brooklyn home by her husband Tuesday morning. Citing law enforcement sources, TMZ reported Wednesday that Burrell was found unresponsive on her shower floor by her husband of four years, Stuart Claxton, hours after he had last seen her alive. The outlet adds that Claxton reportedly saw Burrell at around 1 a.m. and then found her in their bathroom six to seven hours later. The New York City Police Department confirmed to People magazine Wednesday that Burrell was found 'unconscious and unresponsive' after receiving a 911 call, and was pronounced dead at the scene. The NYPD did not immediately respond to the Daily Beast's request for comment. Burrell's loved ones announced her shocking passing in a statement Tuesday. She was 55. An official cause of death has yet to be ruled by a medical examiner, though the New York City Fire Department told Page Six Wednesday that the incident was reported to them as a 'cardiac arrest.' 'Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend—her smile lit up every room she entered,' Burrell's family said in a statement. 'Anne's light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world,' they continued. 'Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.' Burrell was widely known for hosting popular cooking programs like Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and Worst Cooks in America. She also appeared on a number of culinary shows like Iron Chef America, Chef Wanted, and Chopped. The night prior to her passing, Burrell performed at an improv comedy show at The Second City New York, with one attendee telling People magazine: '[She] was in great spirits last night during and after the improv show. Typical fun, outgoing Anne, having a blast.' Burrell is survived by her husband; her stepson Javier; her mother Marlene; her sister Jane; her brother Ben; her nieces Isabella and Amelia; and her nephew Nicolas.
Daily Mail
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Anne Burrell death investigation takes dramatic twist as chilling new information emerges
Anne Burrell's shock death investigation has taken another twist as chilling new information emerged about the scene where the chef was found dead on Tuesday. The beloved Food Network star — who famously hosted Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and co-hosted Worst Cooks in America — died at age 55 at her Brooklyn, New York apartment. Law enforcement sources told TMZ a large quantity of 'unknown pills' were found around where Burrell died. Insiders had previously revealed Burrell was found unresponsive and lying on the shower floor by her husband Stuart Claxton early Tuesday morning. Claxton reportedly last saw his wife alive at approximately 1AM the night prior before discovering her unconscious between six to seven hours later in their bathroom. has contacted representatives for Food Network and Burrell for comment but did not immediately hear back. Claxton contacted 911 and was allegedly advised by the operator to perform CPR on Burrell. However, her body was said to be cold and it is not known if he performed CPR. A possible cause of death has now been indicated by the 911 call, with the New York Fire Department confirming to Daily Mail that they were responding to a report of a cardiac arrest at 7.50am on Tuesday. She was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn, New York, home by police. In a statement to Daily Mail, the New York City Police Department confirmed that they were called to an address in Brooklyn in response to a report about an 'unconscious and unresponsive' 55-year-old female. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death has not yet been reported by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, with an investigation ongoing. TMZ reports that EMS attempted CPR on Burrell but could not resuscitate her. 'Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,' her family said in a statement obtained by Tuesday. 'Anne's light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world. Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal,' they shared. A Food Network spokesperson added, 'Anne 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. 'Our thoughts are with Anne's family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.' The TV chef - who became synonymous with her trademark spiky platinum hair - is survived by husband Stuart Claxton, whom she wed in October 2021 in an autumn-themed ceremony and reception in her hometown of Cazenovia, New York. She is also survived by her mother Marlene and sister Jane and her children Isabella, Amelia and Nicolas, and her brother Ben. Anne developed a passion for cooking at a young age, inspired by her mother's home-cooked meals and by watching food icon Julia Child on television. After earning a degree in English and Communications from Canisius College in Buffalo in 1991, she followed her culinary dreams and enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, graduating in 1996. She worked at a whole host of New York City hotspots including Felidia and Savoy in Soho, where she honed her craft in Mediterranean cuisine. She was later thrust into the spotlight and became best known as the longtime host of Worst Cooks in America. The show, which ran for 28 seasons, saw celebrated chefs mentor amateur cooks in an attempt to transform them from rookies to kitchen experts. Elsewhere, she appeared on Chef Wanted, Chopped, Food Network Star, and most recently, competition series House of Knives - which premiered in March this year. She was later thrust into the spotlight and became best known as the longtime host of Worst Cooks in America, seen here with her friend Rachael Ray The famed chef also penned two of her own cookbooks - Cook Like a Rock Star and Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire & Empower. Heartbroken fans have flooded to leave comments on her most recent Instagram post that was shared just four days ago. 'This can't be true. Chef Anne you were vivacious, hilarious, full of life and reminded me of my Mom. I'm so, so sorry. Rest with the Angels in Heaven and cook up a storm for us,' one wrote. 'Prayers for your family. This feels so unexpected! 'You were always one of our all time favorite chefs and seemed like a great person! I'm sure you'll be missed by many!' someone else shared. 'RIP ANNE! I can't believe this! We lost a good one!' one wrote. 'I was such a fan of you. I had been watching Worst Cooks for YEARS and just recently started watching newer seasons. 'I am so sad. May you rest in peace,' another penned. Gigi Hadid, who famously appeared on the cooking competition series Beat Bobby Flay with Burrell, led the celebrities expressing their heartbreak over Burrell's death. '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 a longtime fan, getting to share this day with her was a dream come true. Beat Bobby. Hang. Eat,' she recalled. 'I wish we could have done it again. She was awesome. Rest in Peace Legend.' Chef Carla Hall, who previously appeared on Food Network's Top Chef, called Burrell an 'incredible cook and teacher.' Queer Eye for the Straight Guy star Carson Kressley, who was a close friend of Burrell's, revealed that he spoke to her just days before her death. 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. So many memories - on screen and off - I cherish this photo of us living our best lives, as the kids say,' Kressley wrote. 'It's one of my favorite memories - just swimming in the ocean after a great lunch. Good food, good friends and lots of love and laughter all around. 'That's what I wish for you where you are now . I'll see you again someday, dear friend.' To conclude the tribute, Kressley revealed that 'Anne loved this photo of us so I know she'd be happy I chose this one.'
