culinary tribute

Gabe Bertaccini Remembers Anne Burrells Heartfelt Gift Before Her Passing

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In a poignant reflection on his late cohost Anne Burrell, Gabe Bertaccini shared a touching memory that highlights the warmth and kindness of the beloved chef. Burrell, known for her vibrant personality and culinary talent, passed away on June 17, 2025, at the age of 55. As her cohost on the Food Network show “Worst Cooks in America,” Bertaccini had the opportunity to work closely with Burrell, and he recently opened up about one of their final interactions during an interview with TV Insider. Bertaccini, 39, recounted a moment during the filming of the show’s 29th season, which turned out to be Burrell’s last. He described how he fell ill while they were celebrating the finale. “It was the finale. Everyone is tired. Weeks and weeks have gone by. We are celebrating the end of the shoot, and I get really sick,” he explained. Despite feeling under the weather, Burrell took the time to show her support. She handed him a card that read, “I hope you feel better,” accompanied by a heart she had crocheted herself. “This was relaxing to her,” Bertaccini noted, emphasizing Burrell’s love for knitting during downtime on set. The heartfelt gesture left a lasting impression on Bertaccini, who said, “I still have the heart.” He described it as a beautiful and unnecessary act that perfectly encapsulated Burrell’s character. “There was no ego or competition. Someone to take a little bit of her time to do something like that for her cohost, it’s special. It’s a great memory that I’ll be taking with me.” Burrell’s death shocked the culinary community and her fans. Her family confirmed the news in a statement, describing her as a “beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend.” They added, “Her smile lit up every room she entered,” and emphasized her impact on those who knew her and beyond. The circumstances surrounding her passing were tragic, with reports indicating that she died by suicide. The New York City Police Department later investigated a possible overdose, revealing she was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn home, surrounded by various pills. In the wake of her passing, Bertaccini spoke fondly of Burrell’s authenticity and the genuine connections she maintained with everyone involved in the show. “There are hundreds of people who work on this. They will tell you she was just authentically her. I loved her,” he expressed. As the final season of “Worst Cooks in America” is set to air, Bertaccini hopes to honor Burrell’s memory. The season, titled “Worst Cooks in America: Talented and Terrible,” is scheduled to premiere on July 28, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET on Food Network. Bertaccini mentioned that he had watched the screener for the premiere and found the first few minutes difficult due to the flood of memories. However, he quickly felt uplifted by the joy Burrell radiated while hosting the show. “We’re approaching it as a way to celebrate who Anne was and excitement to see her happiness and love for what she did on camera,” he said. The upcoming season promises to showcase Burrell’s infectious enthusiasm and passion for cooking, providing fans with a chance to celebrate her legacy. Bertaccini’s heartfelt tribute serves as a reminder of the impact Burrell had on those around her and the love she shared with her colleagues and fans alike. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Duff Goldman Remembers Anne Burrell A Tribute to a Culinary Icon

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In a heartfelt tribute, Food Network star Duff Goldman expressed his sorrow over the loss of his friend and fellow chef Anne Burrell, who tragically passed away earlier this week. Goldman took to Instagram on June 18 to share a touching message about their complex friendship, which began nearly two decades ago. Goldman, 50, reflected on the nuances of their relationship, recalling a time when he reached out to Burrell during a difficult period in her life. He shared, “I’ve written and re-written this post so many times in the past 24 hours and I just don’t know what to say. Anne and I became friends in probably 2006. She was going through some stuff, and I had heard that she was feeling it, so on a trip to NYC from Baltimore, I made her a cake that said ‘Don’t let the bastards win.’ She never did.” Their friendship had its ups and downs, but Goldman always wished the best for Burrell. He reminisced about their spirited debates, including a memorable conversation about catfish that showcased their lively dynamic. “We had a complex relationship, and I remember the last conversation we had before our paths drifted was a pretty feisty debate about the merits of catfish. I believe the words ‘trash fish,’ ‘tastes like mud,’ and ‘cake boy’ were used, haha,” he noted. Despite the challenges in their friendship, Goldman cherished the moments they shared. He recounted running into Burrell at a gala event with his daughter after years of no contact. “Now, at this point, we hadn’t spoken in years, and I won’t go into what we talked about, but I will say that conversation left my heart lifted and full of light. It truly seemed to me that Anne really had found a measure of happiness and love,” he wrote. Goldman emphasized Burrell’s resilience and strength, stating, “Life is tough, and we have to be tough to get through it. Anne was as tough as they come, but when you got past the armor, there was a depth of compassion and kindness that was absolutely beautiful.” He concluded his tribute with a heartfelt wish for Burrell, saying, “My heart sings when I think of the love and tranquility that it seems Anne had found recently, and her genuine smile for my daughter and me in that lobby are what makes this tragedy just a little more bearable. Anne, wherever you are, I hope they have slow-moving rivers because when I get there, we’ll get a couple of rods, a pint of chicken livers, and a sixer, and I’ll teach you how to catch and cook the best catfish you ever had. Rest up, chef. ❤️” The culinary world is mourning the loss of Anne Burrell, who was known for her vibrant personality and culinary talents. Rachael Ray, another prominent figure in the food industry, shared her grief, stating, “The news about Anne has truly shaken us. John and I are heartbroken.” Ray described Burrell as a beloved friend whose presence brought joy to many. Burrell, 55, was found deceased in her Brooklyn home on June 17, and her family released a statement expressing their deep sorrow. “Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” they shared. “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.” In the days leading up to her untimely death, Burrell appeared to be enjoying life, sharing moments from her New York neighborhood on social media. Her passing has left a significant void in the culinary community, with many remembering her not just for her cooking skills but for her vibrant spirit and the love she shared with those around her. As fans and friends alike come to terms with this loss, tributes continue to pour in, celebrating the impact Burrell had on the world of cooking and the lives she touched throughout her journey.