If you’ve ever watched Worst Cooks in America, you know that Anne Burrell doesn't do things halfway. The spiky blonde hair, the booming voice, the "my way or the highway" attitude—it's all part of the brand. But for years, fans were constantly buzzing about her private life. Specifically, people kept asking: was Anne Burrell gay, and how much of her personal world was she willing to share with the public?
The short answer is yes. But the long answer is much more interesting because it involves a very "New York" kind of coming out—one that wasn't a grand, scripted magazine cover, but rather a casual confirmation through a representative. It's funny how we expect these massive, soul-baring moments from celebrities when sometimes they just want to live their lives without making a federal case out of it.
The 2012 Reveal That Wasn't Really a Reveal
Back in 2012, the food world was a bit different. Social media was growing, but it wasn't the 24/7 surveillance state it is today. Ted Allen, the host of Chopped and a long-time friend of Anne’s, actually spilled the beans during a radio interview. He mentioned that Anne was in a relationship with a woman.
People went nuts. Was this a "gotcha" moment? Not really.
Anne’s representative eventually released a statement to the New York Post, basically saying that it wasn't a secret. She had been in a relationship with chef Koren Grieveson for two years at that point. She hadn't been "in the closet"—she was just being private. There is a huge difference between hiding who you are and simply not inviting the entire world into your bedroom.
She's always been a "tough cookie" on screen. Off-screen? She’s a person who values her inner circle.
Why the Public Was So Obsessed
Humans are curious. We see someone with a distinct style—like Anne’s signature "wild" hair and bold personality—and we immediately want to categorize them. For a long time, the question of was Anne Burrell gay dominated search engines because she didn't fit the stereotypical mold of a Food Network star from the early 2000s. She wasn't the "girl next door" like Giada or the "homesteading mom" like Ree Drummond. She was a line-hardened, professional chef who could out-shout anyone in a kitchen.
That edge made her a fan favorite. But it also made people speculate.
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The Koren Grieveson Era
Koren Grieveson is a heavy hitter in the culinary world. She’s a James Beard Award winner. She worked at places like Avec in Chicago. When news broke that she and Anne were engaged in late 2012, it seemed like a culinary power couple match made in heaven.
They were private. Like, really private.
You wouldn't see them doing a bunch of red carpet walks or selling their wedding photos to People. They were just two chefs living their lives. However, as many fans know, that relationship eventually ended. Relationships are hard. Being a celebrity chef with a grueling travel schedule makes them even harder. They never made a big stink about the breakup. They just moved on.
A New Chapter: Meeting Stuart Claxton
Life has a way of throwing curveballs. If you haven't kept up with Anne lately, you might be surprised to find out that her journey took a different turn after her relationship with Koren.
In 2018, she met Stuart Claxton on Bumble.
Wait. Bumble? Yes. Even Food Network stars swipe right.
Stuart works in ad sales at Univision. He’s not a chef. In fact, Anne has joked that it's nice to be with someone who isn't in the industry because they don't have to talk shop all night. Their relationship progressed quickly because, well, when you know, you know. They got engaged during the pandemic while visiting her hometown in Cazenovia, New York.
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The Cazenovia Wedding
They got married in 2021. It was a beautiful, slightly over-the-top ceremony in her hometown. She arrived in a horse-drawn carriage. Because of course she did. She’s Anne Burrell.
The wedding was a star-studded event in the food world. Rachael Ray was one of her bridesmaids. Alex Guarnaschelli was there. It was a celebration of love, but it also signaled a shift in how the public perceived her. Anne has always been open about her fluid journey. She doesn't feel the need to label every single second of her existence to satisfy a Wikipedia entry.
Breaking Down the Labels
So, when people ask was Anne Burrell gay, the answer is rooted in her past relationships, but her present is a happy marriage to a man. Does that change her status as an LGBTQ+ icon? Not necessarily. Many people in the community view her as a pioneer regardless of who she is married to now. She lived openly as a woman dating a woman at a time when the Food Network was much more conservative than it is today.
Labels are sticky.
Some people use the term "bisexual." Others say "fluid." Anne herself doesn't spend a lot of time ruminating on the terminology in public. She seems much more concerned with whether or not her risotto is creamy enough. And honestly? That's probably the healthiest way to handle fame.
What We Can Learn From Her Transparency
Anne Burrell's life teaches us that you don't owe the public a "coming out" party. You can just exist. If someone asks, you can answer. If they don't, you can just keep cooking.
- Privacy is a choice. You can be a public figure and still keep your most intimate moments for yourself.
- Life is non-linear. Your partner at 40 might not be the same gender as your partner at 50, and that’s perfectly okay.
- Authenticity beats branding. Anne never changed her look or her attitude to "fit in" once she became a household name.
The Impact on the Culinary World
The kitchen has traditionally been a very "macho," heteronormative space. It’s a pirate ship mentality. By being her loud, proud, authentic self, Anne helped kick the door open for other queer chefs. Think about how many LGBTQ+ chefs are now prominent on Tournament of Champions or Top Chef.
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Anne was one of the first to show that your talent is what matters most. If you can cook, you belong.
She’s handled the curiosity about her sexuality with a level of grace that many wouldn't expect from her "tough" persona. She never got defensive. She never acted like it was a scandal. It was just a fact of her life, like the fact that she loves salt or hates raw onions.
Final Thoughts on Anne's Journey
Anne Burrell is currently living her best life. She’s still a mainstay on television, she’s happily married to Stuart, and she continues to be a mentor to some of the worst cooks in America. Whether she's talking about her past relationship with Koren or her current life with Stuart, she remains one of the most honest personalities in the business.
The takeaway here isn't just about a label. It's about the freedom to evolve. We live in a world that wants to put people in boxes. Anne Burrell took the box, chopped it up, and turned it into kindling for a wood-fired oven.
If you're looking to follow in her footsteps—not necessarily in her dating life, but in her career—focus on the work. The rest of the details will fall into place.
Next Steps for the Inspired Cook:
- Master the Basics: Anne always preaches "mise en place." Before you start any big life change or a complex recipe, get your stuff together. Organization is 90% of the battle.
- Be Bold: Don't be afraid to be the loudest person in the room if you have the skills to back it up.
- Own Your Story: Whether people are whispering about your personal life or your professional choices, own them. Don't apologize for who you love or how you live.
- Watch the O.G.s: Go back and watch early Iron Chef America episodes. Seeing Anne work as a sous chef for Mario Batali shows the grind it took to get where she is.
Anne Burrell is a reminder that you can be exactly who you are—spiky hair and all—and the world will eventually catch up to you.