Anthony Bourdain, celebrity chef and TV host, found dead at 61
Anthony Bourdain, TV show host, author, and celebrity chef was found dead in his hotel room in France this morning.
CNN broke the news, and the network confirmed Bourdain died by suicide on Friday (June 8).
“It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain,” CNN said in a statement Friday morning. “His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller.
It was reported that Bourdain, 61, was found unresponsive in his hotel room Friday morning by fellow chef and close friend, Eric Ripert.
Bourdain was in France recording a segment for his show Parts Unknown, which is currently airing its 11th season. While he was most well-known for his career in the entertainment industry, Bourdain also expressed a love of punk music.
He spoke about his experience with the scene quite fondly, even sharing an article for Spin Magazine back in 2007, where he talked about his first-hand experience with New York City’s punk scene in the ‘70s, saying:
“The irradiated spawn of tormented loners who had grown up listening to the Stooges and the Velvets, wannabe poets, failed romantics–anyone with enough enthusiasm or anger to pick up a guitar, it seemed, converged on the only place that would have them. And briefly (and only for a lucky few), music was good again.”
Tributes from musicians, celebrities and close friends to Bourdain have been pouring in since the news of his death:
I’ve been trying to process but it’s hard to navigate the wake of losing a hero. This one hurts bad. Anthony Bourdain nurtured a sense of wonder about the world that encouraged me to be a touring musician. He made me want to leave the venue to explore, and then travel more.
— Teddy Horansky (@tjhoransky) June 8, 2018
So sad about this. I have very few role models in this world and he was one. A fellow NJ native, a punk and a man who battled his demos, his sarcastic and sardonic take on life and his dark senses of humor all matched me like a lego piece. I hope he knew how much he was loved. pic.twitter.com/REAHxqgN0Y
— Senses Fail (@SensesFail) June 8, 2018
Waking up to the news of another artist taking their own life makes me incredibly distressed. I hope that they are both free from the pain they where trying to escape.
— anthony green (@AnthonyGreen) June 8, 2018
After a week like this I think it bears repeating that you matter and you are loved.
— snddoɥ ʞɹɐɯ (@markhoppus) June 8, 2018
His death comes days after the reported suicide of 55-year-old fashion designer Kate Spade.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, there is help to be found. Please consider these online resources and talk to your regular doctor about your symptoms:
MentalHealth.gov – Get Immediate Help
ImAlive – Online Crisis Network
International Association For Suicide Prevention – Resources
The Anxiety And Depression Association Of America
The National Alliance On Mental Illness
American Psychiatric Association – Finding Help
National Institute Of Mental Health
American Psychological Association – Psychologist locator
