Anthony Bourdain death: Tributes to celebrity chef flood in after reports that he ‘took his own life’

Anthony Bourdain was one of the most popular TV chefs across the globe

Olivia Petter
Friday 08 June 2018 13:32 EDT
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Anthony Bourdain’s death has prompted a flurry of tributes from the beloved celebrity chef’s loyal fan base, with figureheads from the food world and beyond, mourning the loss on social media.

The Parts Unknown host was found dead in a hotel room in Strasbourg, France, after reportedly taking his own life, aged 61.

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

Tributes have swiftly poured in on Twitter, with British chef Gordon Ramsay writing:

“Stunned and saddened by the loss of Anthony Bourdain. He brought the world into our homes and inspired so many people to explore cultures and cities through their food. Remember that help is a phone call away US:1-800-273-TALK UK: 116 123”. David Beckham replied: "So so sad."

Asia Argento, Bourdain's girlfriend, released a statement in which she described Anthony's "brilliant, fearless spirit."

"Anthony gave all of himself in everything that he did. His brilliant, fearless spirit touched and inspired so many, and his generosity knew no bounds. He was my love, my rock, my protector. I am beyond devastated. My thoughts are with his family. I would ask that you respect their privacy and mine," she wrote.

Jamie Oliver uploaded a black and white portrait of Bourdain on Instagram alongside a heartfelt caption in which he praised the TV personality for his culinary and writing skills:

“He leaves chefs and fans around the world with a massive foodie hole that simply can’t be replaced ... rest in peace chef. Thoughts and love to all his family and close friends.”

Chrissy Teigen also spoke out on Twitter, calling him "one of the best storytellers on the planet."

Chef and Queer Eye star Antoni Porowski tweeted that he was “shocked and deeply saddened”.

“RIP to a father, partner, chef, writer, and incredibly talented man ... Prayers for his loved ones,” he wrote.

Author John Hodgman recalled dining with Bourdain in 2004, writing on Twitter:

“He was big even then but he took time to sit with me in Chinatown to talk ‘weird’ food for a magazine piece I was writing.

“He taught me that our ‘weird’ is the world’s delicious. We ate chicken feet. The afternoon vibrated with life. RIP.”

Rose McGowan shared an emotional video message on Twitter in response to the news, writing: "You were so loved, the world is not better without you."

Mia Farrow, Megyn Kelly, Ryan Seacrest also expressed their shock and devastation in respective tweets.

The best-selling author famously dined with Barack Obama in 2016 for an episode of Parts Unknown.

The two were filmed feasting on noodles in Hanoi, Vietnam for a meal that cost just $6.

News of Bourdain’s death comes just three days after it was reported that fashion designer Kate Spade had taken her own life.

For US readers, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 1-800-273-8255 and the Crisis Text Line is 741741. If you have been affected by this article in the UK, you can contact the following organisations for support:

mind.org.uk

beateatingdisorders.org.uk

nhs.uk/livewell/mentalhealth

mentalhealth.org.uk

samaritans.or

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