Worst Cooks in America

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.