When you think of Anne Burrell, you probably picture that wild platinum spike of hair and her "brown food tastes good" mantra. She was the drill sergeant of Worst Cooks in America, a woman who didn't take any lip in the kitchen. But for the last few years of her life, there was a softer side to the celebrity chef that centered around one person: her husband, Stuart Claxton.
Honestly, people were a bit surprised when Anne first went public with Stuart. For years, her personal life was either super private or linked to the culinary world—like her previous engagement to fellow chef Koren Grieveson. But Stuart isn't a chef. He doesn't work in a kitchen. In fact, their entire meet-cute was about as "normal person" as it gets.
Meeting on Bumble: Not Your Typical Chef Story
Anne met her future husband, Stuart Claxton, on the dating app Bumble back in 2018. It’s kinda wild to think about a Food Network star swiping through profiles like the rest of us, but that’s exactly what happened. Anne has been open about the fact that she didn't necessarily expect to find "the one" in her late 40s. She was focused on her career, her shows, and her own brand of culinary chaos.
Then came Stuart.
He’s a marketing and communications executive, originally from England. He’s got this distinguished, calm vibe that seemingly balanced out Anne’s high-energy persona. He’s worked for big names like Guinness World Records and Time Inc., and more recently, he’s been a VP at NextUp. He wasn't looking for a "celebrity chef"; he was looking for a partner.
They hit it off immediately. Like, immediately immediately. Anne told People that they both sort of knew right away that this was the real deal.
The Proposal That Almost Didn't Happen
The couple got engaged in April 2020. If you remember what the world looked like then, it wasn't exactly the easiest time for a romantic gesture. They were quarantining in Anne’s hometown of Cazenovia, New York.
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Stuart had the ring. He had the plan. But he had to pivot.
He ended up collaborating with Anne’s mom to set up a private date night in her apartment. They were just hanging out, listening to music, when Stuart started talking about songs that would be good for a "wedding playlist." Anne was basically like, "Uh, why are we talking about this right now?"
That’s when he dropped to one knee.
It wasn't a red-carpet moment. It was a quiet, family-centered proposal in a small town during a global lockdown. For a woman who spent her life under hot studio lights, that simplicity seemed to be exactly what she needed.
That Star-Studded (and Very Orange) Wedding
When chef Anne Burrell husband Stuart finally tied the knot with her on October 16, 2021, it was anything but quiet. They went back to Cazenovia, marrying at Windridge Estates Redbarn 20.
Anne didn't do a traditional white wedding. I mean, would you expect her to? She arrived in a horse and carriage (she told Stuart she didn't care about the "cheese factor"—she wanted her moment). She wore a stunning Carolina Herrera gown, but the real "Anne" touch was the color palette.
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The bridesmaids, including her longtime friend Rachael Ray, wore burnt orange. Stuart even rocked orange Nike high-tops with his Ralph Lauren tuxedo. It was whimsical, vibrant, and very loud—much like Anne herself.
The guest list was a who’s who of the Food Network:
- Alex Guarnaschelli
- Jeff Mauro
- Marc Murphy
- Buddy Valastro (who, of course, made the cake)
The cake itself was a point of contention—or at least a "chef moment." Buddy Valastro suggested a zucchini cake. Anne was hesitant but eventually loved it. They ended up with two flavors: zucchini and an olive oil, lemon, and rosemary blend.
Being a Stepmom to Javier
One thing that doesn't get talked about enough is that when Anne married Stuart, she became a stepmother to his son, Javier.
Javier was born around 2005 from Stuart’s previous marriage. By the time Stuart and Anne got together, Javier was a teenager. He actually served as Stuart’s best man at the wedding. Anne often shared photos of "the boys" on her Instagram, showing them at New York Rangers games or traveling together.
She seemed to genuinely embrace the role. She called them "The Claxtons" and frequently posted about how lucky she felt to have a family unit that felt so complete. It wasn't just about the marriage; it was about the package deal.
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The Tragic Turn in 2025
The reason people are searching for Stuart Claxton so much lately is unfortunately tied to the tragic news of June 17, 2025. Anne passed away at the age of 55 in the Brooklyn apartment she and Stuart had recently renovated together.
The details were heartbreaking. Reports from outlets like TMZ and the New York Post indicated that Stuart was the one who found her unresponsive. He called 911 and was even instructed to perform CPR until paramedics arrived, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
It was a shocking end to a love story that many fans felt had just truly begun. They had only been married for less than four years.
What to Take Away From Their Story
Stuart Claxton wasn't a public figure before Anne, and he’s largely returned to a private life following her passing. But his influence on her final years was massive. He represented a chapter of her life where she prioritized personal happiness over the "grind" of the kitchen.
If you’re looking into the life of Anne Burrell's husband, here’s the reality:
- Career isn't everything: Anne spent decades building an empire before finding Stuart. She proved you can find your "person" at any age.
- Compatibility matters more than industry: You don't have to marry someone who does what you do. Stuart’s corporate background provided a grounded contrast to Anne’s TV life.
- Family is defined by choice: Anne’s relationship with her stepson Javier showed a different side of her personality—nurturing and deeply proud of her home life.
Stuart remains in Brooklyn, continuing his work in marketing, though he has stayed mostly out of the spotlight since the memorial services. Their story serves as a reminder that even the toughest "Worst Cooks" mentors have a soft spot for the people who make them feel at home.