Anne Burrell added another big accolade to her résumé just hours before her death: improv comedy.
The Worst Cooks in America host made her improv debut at The Second City NYC in Brooklyn, New York, on the evening of Monday, June 16. She was found unresponsive inside her Brooklyn home at around 7:50 a.m. the following morning, the New York City Police Department told Us Weekly on Tuesday, June 17.
One of Burrell’s fellow improv students, Jane Margolis, noted via Instagram Stories on Tuesday that she had been with Burrell the night before her death. “Spent last night enjoying Anne’s cooking and doing an improv show together,” Margolis wrote, sharing a news post about Burrell’s death. “Still in shock but so glad I got to know you,” she added, along with a white heart emoji. (Us Weekly has reached out to Margolis for further comment.)
Before her sudden passing, Burrell had been excited to take the stage Monday for her first performance after taking improv classes at The Second City NYC in recent months.
“Sooooooo… as I have mentioned I have been taking Improv classes @thesecondcitytc and having an ABSOLUTE blast!!! My class and I are coming to the end of this term and we get to do an actual show!!!” Burrell captioned a June 9 Instagram post showing her and her classmates, including Margolis, outside the venue.
Burrell invited her fans to see her show on Monday night, adding, “We are a small but SUPER fun bunch!!”
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On Tuesday, the NYC branch of Second City paid tribute to Burrell via Instagram. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and student, Anne Burrell,” the organization said. “She will be missed and remembered as a vibrant part of our Second City New York Training Center community. Anne brought joy, boldness and an unwavering ‘yes, and’ spirit. Her enthusiasm was contagious, her presence unforgettable. Our thoughts go out to Anne’s family and loved ones.”
Burrell’s family confirmed the Food Network star’s death at age 55 in a statement to Us on Tuesday. “Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” the statement read. “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 New York City Police Department spokesperson told Us on Tuesday that Burrell was pronounced dead “at the scene” inside her Brooklyn home after authorities responded to a 911 call, which led to the discovery of “an unconscious and unresponsive” 55-year-old female.
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Authorities did not name Burrell as the deceased; however, Us confirmed on Tuesday that Burrell’s home address matched the residence provided by police in their statement.
Burrell is survived by her mother, Marlene, and sister, Jane, along with husband Stuart Claxton (whom she married in October 2021) and his son, Javier.