Anthony Bourdain dead at 61

Jun 08, 2018 by Ian Evans

Anthony Bourdain, whose CNN show Parts Unknown showed us the world’s food and culture, has died from an apparent suicide. He was 61. Bourdain’s body was discovered in his French hotel room, where he was filming an episode of his show with his friend and fellow famous chef, Eric Ripert.

CNN released a statement this morning that read, “It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain. His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink, and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller. His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family at this incredibly difficult time.”

In 2000, Bourdain, who was a star chef in the New York scene, penned the best-selling book Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly, which took people behind the swinging restaurant kitchen doors. His newfound fame led to deals for his own shows which blended travel and food. His work was brutally honest and that honesty meant he wasn’t afraid to talk about his demons, which included a past heroin addiction and crack use.

Bourdain, who is survived by his 11-year-old daughter, was an ardent supporter of the #MeToo movement, proudly and vocally supporting his girlfriend, Italian actress Asia Argento, who was one of the first women to accuse producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault. Bourdain had met Argento while filming an episode of Parts Unknown a couple of years ago.

Bourdain took us around the world on his shows, talking with — but never down to — people about their food and culture and politics. At home in a five-star restaurant or a back-alley food stall, Bourdain helped make the world a little bit smaller.