Anne Burrell was noticeably missing from her longstanding role on “Worst Cooks in America” months before her shocking death.
Fans were baffled by the Food Network star’s absence from the celebrity edition of the culinary competition series, which was instead led by chefs Jeff Mauro and Antonia Lofaso.
Neither Burrell nor the network gave an explanation for her absence from Season 28 of the show. Food Network did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment on the matter Tuesday.
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In January, confused viewers flocked to the comments of one of Burrell’s Instagram posts to question her unexplained absence.
“Why aren’t you in Worst Cooks? It’s not the same,” one fan wrote at the time, with Burrell cryptically responding, “Honestly I don’t know. 🤷🏼♀️😑❤️.”
“Hi Anne, r u still with Food Network?? U r missed very much❤️❤️,” another follower shared, to which she replied, “I miss you guys!!!😊❤️😊❤️.”
When another fan requested that she “come back next season,” the TV personality replied, “I will SO try. 😊❤️.”
Burrell co-hosted and served as a mentor on the popular cooking series from 2010 to 2024.
The TV star unexpectedly died at her home in Brooklyn, NY, Tuesday morning. She was 55 years old.
A New York Police Department spokesperson told Page Six that Burrell was discovered unconscious around 7:50 a.m. Though emergency services arrived promptly, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
An investigation is currently in progress — and a cause of death has not been revealed.
“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 Page Six.
“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.”
Food Network also released a statement obtained by Page Six.
