Anthony Bourdain Passes Away at 61

June 08, 2018

Anthony Bourdain, a celebrity chef and television host who sought adventures and explorations of the world and the cuisine of other cultures, was found dead at 61. The cause of death was suicide by hanging. He was discovered in the Le Chambard hotel in France. The man was a television personality, a host, a memoirist and so much more. He was a figure who connected his audience to the world at large through an eye that didn’t pretend he knew more about the world he was in, but who wanted to explore it and wanted to make you, the viewer, excited to explore it as well. Bourdain is survived by his daughter, and his girlfriend Asia Argento.

https://twitter.com/AsiaArgento/status/1005116310366269440

Anthony Bourdain worked as a line cook, and then, in the 90’s, as a head chef when he submitted an unsolicited article to The New Yorker regarding the “underbelly” of the New York restaurant scene. The New Yorker published this article, which led to his successful book, Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly. In the book, he laid out the philosophy that would define his unique and all-important point of view:

“Do we really want to travel in hermetically sealed popemobiles through the rural provinces of France, Mexico and the Far East, eating only in Hard Rock Cafes and McDonalds? Or do we want to eat without fear, tearing into the local stew, the humble taqueria’s mystery meat, the sincerely offered gift of a lightly grilled fish head? I know what I want. I want it all. I want to try everything once.”

He presented the idea of trying new foods and entering and exploring other cultures as someone akin to a “bad boy”, but it was how we all should be — constantly curious, constantly excited, and embracing of our neighbors and wanting to learn from them and come away a better person for it. Throughout Anthony Bourdain’s programs — A Cook’s Tour, Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations and Parts Unknown, which was airing at CNN at the time of his death, Bourdain brought that philosophy to his audience, making their world more expansive and the culture’s love of the world slightly more exciting.

He is missed by many — family, friends, fans and those who have been inspired by him.

Anthony. One of my idols. Unapologetic, passionate and one of the best storytellers on the planet. Thank you for making food so exciting. And always standing up for everything right. Horrible. Why why why. Be at peace now

— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) June 8, 2018

A piece of my heart is truly broken this morning. And the irony, the sad cruel irony is that the last year he’d never been happier. The rest of my heart aches for the 3 amazing women he left behind.

Tony was a symphony. I wish everyone could have seen all of him. A true friend.

— Andrew Zimmern (@andrewzimmern) June 8, 2018

I have to say I’m in total shock to hear that the amazing @Bourdain has just died he really broke the mould, pushed the culinary conversation, Rest in peace chef thoughts and love to all his family and close friends xxxxxxxxxxx pic.twitter.com/HB7sV7CeRH

— Jamie Oliver (@jamieoliver) June 8, 2018

Forever with me Tony. Looking at the spoon tattoo we share fills my heart with so much sadness today, but forever will be a reminder that you believed in me.I am forever indebted to this passionate great man. Truly heartbroken today. #RIPBourdain pic.twitter.com/aYZtP8hr8Q

— Ludo Lefebvre (@chefludo) June 8, 2018

Remember, if you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-873-8255, or go to their website at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

What is your favorite Anthony Bourdain memory? Let us know in the comments, or on Twitter at @WhatsTrending.