Celebrity Friends and Fans Pay Tribute to Anthony Bourdain After His Death
Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain was found dead in his hotel room in France on Friday, June 8, leaving colleagues, friends, and admirers shocked and grieving. In the hours after CNN confirmed the news, many took to social media to share their sorrow while lauding his work as a storyteller, food critic, and cultural reporter.
Through his best-selling book Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly and almost two decades as a revered food and travel TV host, Bourdain not only entertained, but also taught many people about culinary and culture around the globe. Several celebrities thanked the chef for bringing the world into their homes through that common passion point — food.
Anthony. One of my idols. Unapologetic, passionate and one of the best storytellers on the planet. Thank you for making food so exciting. And always standing up for everything right. Horrible. Why why why. Be at peace now :(
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) June 8, 2018
Bourdain's exceptional writing made this one formerly picky, fearful eater very brave and want to try everything and I'll always be grateful for him and the worlds he opened
— 🇵🇷 Lin-Manuel Miranda 🏳️🌈 (@Lin_Manuel) June 8, 2018
💔 another pioneer lost.#RIP https://t.co/55oYQvk5hP
— Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) 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
Anthony Bourdain gave us the world. There was nothing else like him on TV. His wasn’t just some travel show. It was food, culture, politics, complexity. And his irascible, unique personality and total openness perfected it. How awful that he was in so much pain while feeding us.
— Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) June 8, 2018
Others pointed out the important work he did to elevate voices and perspectives too often ignored within the food industry and beyond.
Anthony was a major MeToo supporter. He strongly defended our rights; he spoke up publicly for us. He was that vital male partner. I am humbled and forever grateful that one of his last major projects was believing in and becoming EP of my recent CNN series on the lives of women.
— Christiane Amanpour (@camanpour) June 8, 2018
bourdain unabashedly supportive when his partner came forward about harvey weinstein and continually a male voice in support of #metoo
— J. Escobedo Shepherd (@jawnita) June 8, 2018
I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around the news about Anthony Bourdain. Parts Unknown told such wonderful, respectful, authentic stories about peoples we never hear about in the US in his unique voice. He seemed to really live through and with them. RIP Chef.
— Mythili Sampathkumar (@MythiliSk) June 8, 2018
Bourdain was in France filming for Parts Unknown when French chef and close friend Eric Ripert reportedly found him unresponsive in his hotel room on Friday morning. CNN said in a statement that Bourdain died of suicide. In the wake of his death, many on Twitter have spoken about the importance of resources for those who are struggling, reminding people that help is available if they are able to reach out for it, and nudging others to offer support to loved ones.
Truly devastated about @Bourdain. I have no words. Please if you need help, reach out. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
— Busy Philipps (@BusyPhilipps) June 8, 2018
Oh my God @Bourdain has taken his life. People are in unmanageable pain. This is my wake up call today. We have to help those who cannot help themselves.
— Bethenny Frankel (@Bethenny) June 8, 2018
And some also sent their condolences to Bourdain’s friends and family.
I am shocked and deeply saddened. RIP to a father, partner, chef, writer, and incredibly talented man. @Bourdain ❤️ Prayers for his loved ones.
— Antoni Porowski (@antoni) June 8, 2018
Heartbroken over Anthony Bourdain. He was a kind person. This world doesn’t make sense today.
— Emmy Rossum (@emmyrossum) June 8, 2018
My heart is broken for my sweet friend @AsiaArgento. … Anthony Bourdain💔
— om (@oliviamunn) June 8, 2018
Argento herself posted a heartfelt note about her partner’s passing.
— Asia Argento (@AsiaArgento) June 8, 2018
If you need help or know someone else who does, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also text HOME to 741741 for free, 24-hour support from the Crisis Text Line.
(photo via Larry French/Getty Images for DC Central Kitchen)