Debi Mazar Mourns Chef Anne Burrell’s Passing
Actress Mazar honors friend Chef Burrell, recalling NYC bike rides and Thanksgiving feasts
Image: Instagram
In a heartfelt Instagram post, actress Debi Mazar expressed shock and sadness over the passing of her longtime friend, celebrity chef Anne Burrell. The Goodfellas star and Food Network alum posted a moving tribute under her handle @debimazar, paying homage to Burrell’s vibrant energy and culinary passion.
Debi Mazar’s Heartfelt Tribute
“I’m shocked & saddened by the news of her passing,” Mazar wrote, calling Anne Burrell “a true force of nature.” She recalled meeting Burrell through producer Bruce Seidel during their Food Network days, remembering her as “FIERCE! Her energy was through the roof. So passionate.” Mazar tagged several mutual friends, including Mario Batali and Aura Sole, and sent condolences to Burrell’s partner Stewart Claxton and their son.
Remembering Chef Anne Burrell
Anne Burrell, 53, trained at the Culinary Institute of America before becoming a household name on Food Network. She hosted Secrets of a Restaurant Chef (2008–2014) and served as a judge on shows like Worst Cooks in America and Iron Chef America. Known for her mastery of Italian cuisine, Burrell authored The Complete Italian’s Essentials for La Cucina and frequently dazzled audiences with her expert turkey and side dishes during holiday specials.
A Bond Over Food And Family
Mazar reminisced about bumping into Burrell on her bike in New York City’s West Village. “She always invited us to her Thanksgiving meals, which she rocked more than anyone I know,” Mazar said. The actress noted that Burrell knew her children and watched them grow up, highlighting the chef’s warmth beyond the camera. “Her love & joy was off the hook. Sad day. YES CHEF! I love you, sister!”
Debi Mazar: From Screen To Kitchen
Best known for her roles in Goodfellas, Batman Forever and as Alex in HBO’s Entourage, Debi Mazar has also made a mark in food TV. In 2011 she teamed with her husband, Italian chef Gabriele Corcos, on the Cooking Channel series Extra Virgin, exploring family recipes and Tuscan traditions. Her own passion for authentic Italian cooking helped forge a deep connection with Burrell, whose devotion to regional dishes matched Mazar’s own appreciation for her husband’s heritage.
Friends of both Mazar and Burrell have flooded social media with condolences. Anne’s colleagues praised her generosity in the kitchen and her advocacy for safety and inclusion on camera. As Mazar wrote, “I cannot fathom the grief and shock for her family,” underscoring the outpouring of love from fans and fellow chefs alike.
Mazar closed her post with a final nod to Burrell’s best friend, Aura Sole, sending “a big kiss” to her. As tributes continue to appear across platforms, Debi Mazar’s remembrance captures the chef’s dynamic spirit and the personal bond they shared over many Thanksgiving tables.
Through her Instagram homage, Mazar reminds fans of the human connections behind celebrity chefs, showing how friendship and food can create unforgettable memories that live on long after the final course.
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