Why Anne Burrell took a break from ‘Worst Cooks in America’ before her death

Anne Burrell stepped back from television a year before her tragic death.

The celebrity chef, who died at age 55 on Tuesday, hosted the beloved Food Network series “Worst Cooks in America” for 27 seasons, from its inception in 2010 to 2024.

In March, Burrell went on Tori Spelling’s “misSPELLING” podcast and opened up about the reason she took a break from the show.

“I can cook, yes, I can do TV, but also, what else? I’ve got more to do in my life, I feel like,” she told the “Beverly Hills, 90210” star, 52.

“Interestingly, I just started taking acting classes. I started yesterday, actually … It’s like an improv for actors’ class,” she explained. “I got there and it’s like eight people in the class. I’m the oldest one. Every other person has like, ‘Oh, I have a master’s in fine arts in theater.’”

For Burrell, taking a leap into the theatrical world was a whole new experience.

“I’m like, ‘OK, I’ve never taken an acting class. I don’t know, this is new to me.’ I wonder if these delightful and super talented kids look at me and they’re like, ‘What’s this old lady doing here?’” she said at the time.

Burrell added she was “just dipping my toe” into acting.

“I feel very excited about it,” she gushed. “I’ve got a few other things that I’m working on as well, which I’m not quite ready to share yet. Hopefully, exciting [are] things coming.”

While on the podcast, the kitchen guru also got candid on tying the knot with Stuart Claxton in 2021 and becoming a step-mom to his son, Javier. The couple first met on the dating app Bumble in 2018.

Spelling inquired if Burrell purposely waited until later in life to settle down.

“From when I was a kid, I don’t know why, but I always was like, I am not getting married until I feel like I have something in life to share,” the Food Network alum recalled. “Until I have accomplished stuff.”

And in her 20s and 30s, Burrell said she was “living my best life!”

“I was like, living the rock star chef life. I was working a lot, and I had a great social life.”

Then, one day, Burrell thought a change was necessary.

“I just started to feel like, all right, you’re getting a little old to keep on doing this,” she confessed. “Kids were never on my radar, really,” the cook confessed. “I love being an aunt. I have nieces and nephews. So I’m like, [being a stepmom] is the perfect amount of parenting for me.”

A month later, Burrell gushed over married life, telling the Daily Mail: “October will be four years. It seems like it’s been four minutes. I don’t know if it’s a honeymoon [phase] but I feel like it’s settled into married life days which I really enjoy.”

She also gave her other half a sweet shout-out on Valentine’s Day in 2022, penning on Instagram, “You make me the happiest girl in the world!!! I love you to the moon and back my sweet!!!”

Burrell’s family confirmed the news of her death in a heartbreaking statement to People on Tuesday.

“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” they said. “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 cause of death has yet to be revealed.

That same day, police officers shared that EMS “responded and pronounced her deceased on scene,” sharing that the 911 call was originally for a reported cardiac arrest.

On Thursday, sources told The Post Burell’s body was found next to dozens of pills. The author’s death is still an ongoing investigation.

After her passing, a representative from Food Network shared with The Post: “Anne was a remarkable person and culinary talent — teaching, competing and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring. Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.”

Friends of Burrell’s from her time on the channel also spoke out after her passing.

Beau MacMillan, who co-hosted Season 1 of “Worst Cooks in America” with Burrell, told The Post on Wednesday, “The news hit me like a gut punch. Anne was bigger than life, whether she was running a kitchen or filming a show, you knew she was in charge.”

“One of the most beloved icons of our industry, she inspired millions of people,” the 54-year-old expressed. “She was smart, talented and so much fun to be around. She has left us way too soon.”

Fellow chef Alex Guarnaschelli, for her part, wrote in an Instagram post: “Make this moment about her. She’d want you to go out, raise a glass, sing karaoke (including this Sia song–one of her favorite “Worst Cooks” warm up songs) and be able to say, like she does, #ilovewhatido –so do it for her. In her honor.”