Anne Burrell’s absence from ‘Worst Cooks in America’ months before her sudden death left fans worried

Neither Anne Burrell nor the Food Network issued a statement about her absence from Season 28 of 'Worst Cooks in America'
PUBLISHED JUN 18, 2025
Anne Burrell was found dead at her home in Brooklyn, New York, on June 17 (Santiago Felipe/Getty Images)
Anne Burrell was found dead at her home in Brooklyn, New York, on June 17 (Santiago Felipe/Getty Images)

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK: Anne Burrell was not part of ‘Worst Cooks in America’ months before her death despite her long association with the reality show.

The celebrated Food Network chef had trained several participants through hundreds of episodes of the show from 2010 to 2024.

But Season 28 was led by chefs Jeff Mauro and Antonia Lofaso, which was the celebrity edition of the popular competition series, as reported by Page Six.

Anne Burrell attends the 2022 City Harvest
Anne Burrell attends the 2022 City Harvest 'Red Supper Club' Fundraising Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on April 26, 2022, in New York City (Hippolyte Petit/FilmMagic)

Anne Burrell did not explain her absence from ‘Worst Cooks in America’

Despite her absence, neither Anne Burrell nor the network issued any statement.

But fans showed their concern as many of them flocked to the comments section of an Instagram post, which the late TV host shared in January.

(Instagram/ @chefanneburrell)
Fans asked Anne Burrell about her absence from ‘Worst Cooks in America’ in the comments section of one of her Instagram posts (@chefanneburrell/Instagram)

It showed her at a restaurant with two other women.

The caption read, “GIRL CHEFS FOR THE WIN!!!! A beyond SUPER FUN night with these two Lovelies the triple A team!! @chefantonia @ayesha_rare Thank you @codycpruitt for the hospitality and too many martinis. #tripleAteam #ilovewhatido #luckgirl #girlchefsrock.”

Fans said they missed Anne Burrell and felt lost without her on ‘Worst Cooks in America’

Chef Anne Burrell attends the Austin FOOD & WINE Festival at Auditorium Shores on November 05, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Rick Kern/Getty Images)
Chef Anne Burrell attends the Austin FOOD & WINE Festival at Auditorium Shores on November 5, 2023, in Austin, Texas Rick Kern/Getty Images)

One fan wrote, “I cannot even watch the new WC. Even my 11 year old refused without you. It was so much more fun when it was really just bad cooks instead of celebrities and no way I'm going back without you there.”

Another fan said, “Love it ... BTW our household really misses you on worse cooks .... the show isn't the same.”

“Anne, we've been watching worst cooks since it aired on TV, why aren’t you still on the show and why has the show become so chaotic in the more recent seasons?” one asked. 

“Chef Anne. You are the best! I make your meatballs and they are the best! I learned a lot from your cooking shows! Wish you were still in Food Network! Never watch it now. Only has game shows!! Take care!!” an individual commented.

“As you can see and read, we all miss you. I looked forward every January, right after my birthday on January 1st I knew i could look forward to the new season of worst cooks in America. I feel lost without you,” another added.

“We need you back on worst cooks! You and chef Jeff had a fun energy 🥹,” a comment read.

One more wrote, “You all look great! I MISS YOU ON WORST COOKS. I can’t make myself watch it. Please say you’re coming back next year!”

"Chef! Are you okay? Are we frozen?" another fan commented. 

Anne Burrell’s family say her ‘boundless love remain eternal’

Anne Burrell's June 17 death has sent shockwaves among her friends, family, and fans. The celebrated chef was found dead at her home in Brooklyn, New York.

As per a statement issued by her family, “Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered.”

Chef Anne Burrell attends CQ3 The Harlem Renaissance With DJ D-Nice presented by The Apollo on March 18, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Chef Anne Burrell attends CQ3 The Harlem Renaissance With DJ D-Nice presented by The Apollo on March 18, 2023, in New York City (Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

“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,” it added.

Food Network also shared a statement, saying, “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."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online. 

MORE STORIES

The post Khloe Kardashian liked featured Charlie Kirk speaking with a fan at an event about his devout Christian faith
6 days ago
Whitney Cummings sparked widespread outrage after posting a controversial tweet about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk
6 days ago
Prince Harry was spotted entering King Charles’s London residence, months after saying his father had ignored his calls
Sep 11, 2025
Rosie O'Donnell said Ellen DeGeneres’ friendship denial hurt so much she printed T-shirts for her staff reading, 'I don’t know Rosie, we’re not friends'
Sep 10, 2025
A post alleged that Karoline Leavitt called Patti LaBelle 'just a singer,' leading LaBelle to deliver a seven-word response that froze the studio
Sep 10, 2025
Jennifer Lopez feels free channeling emotions into music, but Ben Affleck is embarrassed and sees it as crossing a line, according to the source
Sep 9, 2025
Howard Stern added that he missed last week’s show due to illness, not contract talks, and addressed rumors of being fired from his own show
Sep 9, 2025
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement in August 2025 triggered a wave of pregnancy chatter after an ultrasound photo went viral
Sep 9, 2025
Ed Sheeran, 34, revealed that he was leaving Suffolk with his wife Cherry Seaborn and their two daughters, Lyra and Jupiter
Sep 9, 2025
From Ice Spice’s chaotic corset to Paris Hilton’s flame dress, see the celebs who landed on the worst-dressed list at the 2025 VMAs
Sep 8, 2025