Anthony Bourdain, celebrity chef, writer, and host of CNN’s award-winning series “Parts Unknown,” has been found dead from an apparent suicide inside his hotel room in France, Friday morning.
Bourdain, age 61, was found unresponsive by his close friend and fellow celebrity chef Éric Ripert. He was in the city of Strasbourg shooting for a new episode of his CNN series, which is currently in its 11th season.
Anthony Bourdain, celebrity chef, and travel host | Photo by Trey Ratcliff
The network said in its official statement: “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.”
CNN mourns the loss of Anthony Bourdain. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255. pic.twitter.com/bpFEOuN8Un
— Parts Unknown (@PartsUnknownCNN) June 8, 2018
He was born in New York City but spent much of his childhood in Leonia, New Jersey, and many summers in France, which inspired his love for food. Bourdain graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1978. He then joined the kitchen of prominent New York City restaurants like Supper Club, One Fifth Avenue, and Sullivan’s.
In 1998, he was named Executive Chef at Brasserie Les Halles in Manhattan. His stint in television started with “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations” which aired in the Travel Channel in July 2005. He also hosted “The Layover” with the same network.
In the Los Angeles episode of the show, Bourdain was seen on the drive-thru of Jollibee with fellow chef Roy Choi.
In April 2014, he premiered his current show with CNN. Through the show, he gave an in-depth preview of the cultures of Punjab, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Ethiopia, and many more. In April 2016, Bourdain featured Manila for the season 7 premiere of “Parts Unknown.” In the episode, he indulged himself to a sizzling plate of Pork Sisig, a cup of halo-halo, and of course a trip to Jollibee.
In the Hanoi episode of the same show, he brought then US President Barack Obama to a $6 bun cha meal. The meal has grilled pork, rice noodles, herbs, dressing, and dipping sauce. The spot where they filmed the episode is now enclosed in glass.
He also wrote bestselling books like “Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly,” “A Cook’s Tour: In Search of the Perfect Meal,” and many more.
Many people have paid their tributes and respect to the beloved chef on social media, many of which are chefs including Chef Gordon Ramsay, Andrew Zimmern, Margarita Fores.
“Low plastic stool, cheap but delicious noodles, cold Hanoi beer.” This is how I’ll remember Tony. He taught us about food — but more importantly, about its ability to bring us together. To make us a little less afraid of the unknown. We’ll miss him. pic.twitter.com/orEXIaEMZM
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) June 8, 2018
There are available centers for you to reach out if you’re battling depression, including The Natasha Goulbourn Foundation which you can call at 804-HOPE (4673) or 0917 558-HOPE (4673) for support. More information is available on their website: ngf-hope.org
