While Food Network star Anne Burrell catapulted to fame as an accomplished chef, she also had been pursuing a newfound passion for improvisational comedy on the side.
Burrell had been taking courses at Second City’s Training Center and performed a live show with her classmates the night of June 16 – the evening before her shock death at age 55.
Now an insider has shed light on Burrell’s demeanor at the show with People.
‘Everyone said she was so great last night and so happy,’ a source told the publication.
According to another source who was at the performance with Anne, they recalled that the late chef ‘was in great spirits’ both ‘during and after’ the show. ‘Typical fun, outgoing Anne, having a blast,’ they added.
Second City New York City has since paid tribute to their late student in a statement obtained by DailyMail.com, calling her a ‘vibrant part’ of the community.
Food Network star Anne Burrell was embracing her newfound passion of improv comedy just hours before her heartbreaking death at age 55
‘We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and student, Anne Burrell. She will be missed and remembered as a vibrant part of our Second City New York Training Center community,’ the organization said. ‘Anne brought joy, boldness, and an unwavering “yes, and” spirit. Her enthusiasm was contagious, her presence unforgettable. Our thoughts go out to Anne’s family and loved ones.’
According to People’s source, her death has ‘shocked and confused’ everyone at the show as all seemed well with Anne at the end of the performance.
Burrell had been updating fans on her improv class on her Instagram account, and on June 9th invited followers to a live show she and her classmates were doing as part of the end of their course.
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Food Network star's sad final post as new details about her shock death at 55 emerge
‘Sooooooo… as I have mentioned I have been taking Improv classes @thesecondcitytc and having an ABSOLUTE blast!!!’ she posted. ‘My class and I are coming to the end of this term and we get to do an actual show!!! If anyone is interested in stopping by on Monday June 16 at 9 pm @thesecondcity in Brooklyn please feel free!! We are a small but SUPER fun bunch!! #ilovewhatido #luckygirl @ashleymariebirdsall @joyfuljojo22 @j_margles @golfiinos @thesecondcity.’
The post contained an image of Anne with friends who appeared to be her classmates followed by a stage-side selfie.
Over the last few months, Anne had been chronicling her improv studies with enthusiasm.
Anne gushed in a March Instagram post how the class had been helping her ‘get out of my shell’.
‘Ok… sooooooo a little update into the “Anne Burrell” world. I know I have been kinda quiet of late. BUT I am taking “Improv for Actors” at @secondcitynyc !!! Can I just say it is SO much fun and I am learning so SO much!!! It really helps me get out of my shell… as if I needed that!! #ilovewhatido #luckygirl,’ Anne captioned.
Burrell had been updating fans on her improv class on her Instagram account, and on June 9th invited followers to her live finale show as she gushed about her time studying with Second City
She has been posting snaps chronicling her improv journey since March
She returned for a second term in April, gushing to followers that she was ‘THRILLED’ to join the class.
‘And here we gooooooooo!!!! Term 2 of “Improv for Actors” started today. I’m THRILLED to be back!! #ilovewhatido #luckygirl,’ she posted to Instagram.
Sadly, just months later, the beloved TV chef — who famously hosted Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and co-hosted Worst Cooks in America — died at her Brooklyn, New York apartment.
A possible cause of death has now been indicated by a 911 call placed following her passing.
The beloved TV chef died on Tuesday morning at her Brooklyn, New York apartment
Second City New York City has since paid tribute to their late student in a statement obtained by DailyMail.com, calling her a ‘vibrant part’ of the community
The New York Fire Department confirmed to Daily Mail that they were responding to a report of a cardiac arrest at 7.50am on Tuesday.
She was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn, New York, home by police. In a statement to Daily Mail, the New York City Police Department confirmed that they were called to an address in Brooklyn in response to a report about an ‘unconscious and unresponsive’ 55-year-old female.
The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death has not yet been reported by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, with an investigation ongoing.
Burrell, pictured last month, famously hosted Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and co-hosted Worst Cooks in America
‘Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,’ her family said in a statement obtained by DailyMail.com Tuesday.
‘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,’ they shared.
A Food Network spokesperson added, ‘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.’