We are saddened by the news of Anne Burrell, a celebrated chef, television personality, and cookbook author whose bold spirit and culinary brilliance left a lasting mark on kitchens everywhere.
Sending love to her family, friends, and all those who were inspired by her. 🧡
Anne Burrell, a Food Network star, host of Worst Cooks in America, and celebrity chef has died. She was 55.
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered. 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,” Burrell’s family said in a statement to Deadline. MORE: https://t.co/aToP3way0Z
I am stunned and deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Anne Burrell.
Anne wasn’t just a fiery chef. She was a radiant spirit who lit up every room she entered. From the very beginning on Worst Cooks in America, our friendly rivalry was fueled by mutual respect: I’d risk bleaching my hair; she’d risk losing hers. An epic wager that epitomized her unbeatable spirit. It was a wager I ultimately lost, but I couldn’t imagine losing to a more fierce competitor.
Outside of Worst Cooks I came to know her as a generous and supportive colleague and an even better friend.
I’ll always remember her unwavering dedication, not just to food, but to lifting others up. She believed in nurturing culinary potential and celebrating small victories, whether in an amateur cook or on a charity fundraiser.
That was Anne. Uncompromising in her standards, yet tender in her mentorship.
To her husband Stuart, her stepson Javier, her mother Marlene, sister Jane, and her many friends and fans: please know that Anne’s warmth, vibrant spirit, and generous heart will echo in kitchens around the world and in our hearts forever.
Rest in peace, Chef. Your legacy as a champion of food, kindness, and empowerment will continue to inspire. Thank you for every lesson, every challenge, and every glorious moment. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
With all my love and respect,
Robert Irvine
Cynthia Erivo on her connection to Elphaba:
“I hope that whoever watches this, whoever feels like they don’t fit, like they’re different or odd, I hope that they feel seen. Because I know I did.”
The ‘holding space’ journalist tells Variety what holding space really means:
“Holding space is being physically, emotionally and mentally present with someone or something. For me, it means being in the moment, not being distracted and feeling something on a cellular level. I think you can hold space with lyrics of a song – one you’ve heard hundreds of times – and it can suddenly take on new meaning when you’re a queer person. The Trump administration is targeting LGBTQ+ people via Project 2025. When Cynthia sings 'I’m through accepting limits,' there’s power in that. She plays a character who is othered. One who comes to her full power when she is exiled by a charlatan, by a cruel leader. There’s a lot of resonance there right now for anyone who is marginalized. For me, holding space is listening to those lyrics anew and finding solace or inspiration.”
Cynthia Erivo speaks out after her criticism of ‘WICKED’ fan poster:
“I think I'm really protective of the role and just as I'm passionate as- well I am passionate about it and I know that the fans are passionate about it, and I think for me it was just like a human moment of like, wanting to protect little Elphaba. And it was like a human moment. I probably should've called my friends, but. It's fine.”
correct me if im wrong but the reason why the og poster was done that way was because any elphabaa and glinda can play the role. but this movie is specific to ariana and CYNTHIA. attaching the word "fixed" on a poster that proudly plasters the face of the lead is disrespectful.