Anne Burrell revealed her inspiration for starting improv classes months before her sudden death at age 55.
“Interestingly, I just started taking acting classes. I started yesterday, actually … It’s like an improv for actors’ class,” Burrell said during a March appearance on Tori Spelling’s “Misspelling” podcast. “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.’”
She continued, “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?’”
Burrell’s admission came after Spelling, 52, wondered why she “took a break” from hosting Worst Cooks in America.
“I can cook, yes, I can do TV, but also, what else?” Burrell said. “I’ve got more to do in my life, I feel like.”
Anne Burrell’s Family Guide: Inside Late Chef’s Marriage, Bond With Stepson
Burrell noted that she was “just dipping my toe” into the acting world.
“I feel very excited about it,” she added. “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.”
Three months after the podcast was released, news broke of Burrell’s death on Tuesday, June 17.
“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” her family shared in a statement to Us Weekly. “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.”
911 Caller Says Anne Burrell Went Into Cardiac Arrest Before Death
The New York Post later reported that Burrell was found in her Brooklyn home next to “dozens of pills.” (Us Weekly has reached out for comment.)
Details about the investigation into Burrell’s death have not been revealed and an official cause of death has not been announced. A 911 caller claimed the chef went into “cardiac arrest” and was found dead on arrival, a rep for the New York City Fire Department told multiple outlets.
Burrell’s death came hours after she performed in her first-ever improv comedy show at The Second City NYC in Brooklyn on Monday, June 16.
An insider told People Burrell was “in great spirits” during the show, adding that she was “so great” on stage and “so happy” during her performance.
