Chef & Travel Show Host Anthony Bourdain Dies From Apparent Suicide

(Photo courtesy of Travel Channel)

Award-winning chef and reality TV star Anthony Bourdain has died at the age of 61 from an apparent suicide.

Multiple news outlets reported his death on Friday, with CNN confirming that the Parts Unknown star was found unresponsive in his hotel room in France by his friend, French chef Eric Ripert. He was reportedly in France working on an episode of ‘Parts Unknown’ at the time of his death.

“Anthony was my best friend,” Eric Ripert tweeted on Friday. “An exceptional human being, so inspiring & generous. One of the great storytellers who connected w so many. I pray he is at peace from the bottom of my heart. My love & prayers are also w his family, friends and loved ones.”

Anthony first got his start on reality TV in 2002, when he hosted the food and travel show A Cook’s Tour for The Food Network. In 2005, he became the host of his own travel and culinary adventure show, Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, which ran for eight years until 2012. (He also starred on Travel Channel’s The Layover from 2011-2013.)

In 2013, he moved to CNN, where his travel/food show ‘Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown’ took viewers to lesser-known travel locations to explore the area’s culture and culinary offerings. The show’s eleventh season, which premiered at the end of April, is currently airing. The most-recent episode, which aired last Sunday, showed Anthony exploring Hong Kong.

Hydrating in preparation for a Balinese funeral . #PocariSweat

A post shared by anthonybourdain (@anthonybourdain) on

After news of Anthony’s death broke, CNN issued a statement.

“It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain,” the network said in a statement. “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.”

On Friday, Travel Channel sent out a press release to announce that it will be running a tribute to Anthony on Sunday.

“As a tribute to Anthony Bourdain and his gift of sharing extraordinary places near and far, Travel Channel will air a 12-hour marathon of the Emmy Award-winning series “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations” this Sunday, June 10 starting at 7:00 a.m. ET/PT,” the network stated. “Fans will have a chance to watch celebrated episodes of the series including where he introduces viewers to the picturesque landscapes, exotic cuisines, and the mysterious history of Laos; his epic journey to Spain’s Costa Brava to cook and dine at El Bulli, the “best restaurant in the world,” with chef Ferran Adria; and where he explores the food and people of the “two Maines.”

In addition to appearing on his own shows, Anthony made guest appearances on a variety of reality shows, including Top ChefBizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern and The Taste.

He leaves behind an 11-year-old daughter, Ariane, whom he shared with ex-wife Ottavia Busia. At the time of his death, Anthony was in a relationship with actress Asia Argento, whom he met while he was filming an episode of ‘Parts Unknown’ in Rome.

(Top photo courtesy of Travel Channel, other photos: Instagram, Twitter)

7 Comments

  1. I loved Anthony Bourdain!
    My siblings and I would always watch his shows. He was a phenomenal writer as well. We need more open-minded people like him in the world… People who are not afraid to explore, people who are not afraid to try new things, people who can appreciate different cultures no matter how different they are from their own… I’m so sad he had no outlets for his troubles and the darkness he was caught in… Anthony Bourdain, rest in peace.


  2. I’m heartbroken by this as is my husband. Anthony seemed like an incredible man and I feel horrible that he thought this was what he needed to do. He was always supportive and so compassionate to everyone he met on his travels. He was a great supporter and advocate for so many women in the #metoo movement also. My heart aches for his daughter and family.


  3. Please if you are feeling depressed seek help.
    In the US:
    National Suicide Prevention Lifelin
    https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
    1-800-273-8255

    The Trevor Project
    Confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth.
    1-866-488-7386
    https://www.thetrevorproject.org

    In Canada there is no central number but here are some regional ones:
    Suicide Hotlines
    Distress Centres Ontario
    Ontario
    Website: dcontario.org
    (DCO) Distress Centre Niagara
    Ontario
    Hotline: +1 (905) 688 3711
    Hotline: 905 734 1212/905 382 0689
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    Hotline: +1 (905) 459 7777
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    FREDERICTON
    Contact by: – Phone
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    Hotline: Toll free provincial helpline: 1-800-667-5005
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  4. I wasn’t really a fan, but I am very sorry. No one should have to feel that desperate. My condolences to all of Mr. Bourdain’s friends, family, and colleagues.


  5. So sad. Two suicides in one week….Kate Spade and now Anthony Bourdain. Looking from the outside, you think they have everything. But depression does not discriminate. I just feel so sad right now. Prayers go out to their loved ones.


  6. This is very sad. The secound high profile suicide this week. Damn. He seemed like a genuine person no bs. His love of food and travel really resonated with me. I myself LOVE to cook and eat. The traveling part id like to do just dont have the money or time right now. He got through addiction but obviously not depression. Very sad. There is always hope even if u think there isnt. In the words of the late great geprge harrison. All things must pass. Dont ever give up hope. Prayers to his family and loved ones

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