Anthony Bourdain wasn’t your average celebrity chef. He was a rock star in the culinary world. He could write and tell stories as well as he could cook. And he had a sense of adventure that was easy to envy, a lifestyle of traveling the world, eating for a living and telling stories about it. He transitioned to television hosting “No Reservations” on the Travel Channel and “Parts Unknown” on CNN.
Here is the thing…just one of the things that makes this so hard and confusing. I think everyone wanted to be Anthony Bourdain.
I did. We all did.— John Berman (@JohnBerman) June 8, 2018
I will never forget Anthony Bourdain's smile and laugh. @Bourdain was the warmest presence when he walked in any room. He taught us all so much about culture, life and living each day fully. You will be dearly missed, Anthony.
— Poppy Harlow (@PoppyHarlowCNN) June 8, 2018
Damn. I always thought Anthony Bourdain lived such an amazing life. He was clearly hurting. RIP to an amazing storyteller.
— Max Lederman (@Max_Lederman) June 8, 2018
Bourdain was known for his best-selling book, “Kitchen Confidential,” which revealed the unseemly side of the restaurant business and what really goes on back in the kitchen.
https://twitter.com/alyssabereznak/status/1005063124863479810
Bourdain appeared to be living life to the fullest, which is one reason so many of us are in shock over his suicide. It is especially disturbing coming just days after Kate Spade’s passing. Both are said to have committed suicide by hanging.
His girlfriend released this statement via Twitter.
http://twitter.com/AsiaArgento/status/1005116310366269440
Several others who knew Boudain are sharing their thoughts today, including former President Obama, who was a guest on Bourdain’s show back in 2016.
“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
Fellow Chefs, many who idolized Bourdain are also reacting.
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
I’m shocked and extremely saddened by the tragic loss of such an inspiring man. Tony was a great soul, a mentor, a friend, a father, and an incredible chef.
— Emeril Lagasse (@Emeril) June 8, 2018
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
— Gordon Ramsay (@GordonRamsay) 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 am writing with tears in my eyes and a broken heart. The world just got so much smaller. RIP #TonyBourdain pic.twitter.com/PsicBDdGqO
— Chef Edward Lee (@chefedwardlee) June 8, 2018
CNN will air a one-hour tribute to Bourdain tonight at 10pm ET.
He was so good at putting words to what so many of us feel. RIP Anthony Bourdain. pic.twitter.com/0MEwsgTXe6
— David Muir (@DavidMuir) June 8, 2018