Anthony Bourdain Is Dead at 61

If you are having thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 1-800-273-talk (8255), or the Suicide Crisis Line, at 1-800-784-2433, or text 741741.

We’re devastated to report that Anthony Bourdain was found dead on Friday in France, where he was filming Parts Unknown. CNN confirmed the cause of Bourdain’s death was suicide. Chef Eric Ripert, a close friend who traveled with Bourdain often, found him unresponsive in his hotel room Friday morning. His influence and mark on the food, travel, and journalism community was extraordinary, inspiring a generation of writers, cooks, and explorers. His bestselling memoir, Kitchen Confidential, told the story of his days cooking at Les Halles, a wild behind-the-scenes look at the restaurant industry in New York. His career launched into broadcast, where he hosted travel shows for over 15 years on the Food Network, Travel Channel, and finally CNN.

In a 2016 interview with Bon Appétit, Bourdain shared some travel tips, tinged with his signature attitude and unrestrained honesty. To embrace a new culture, he advised: “Just be open. Don’t be afraid. If it’s appropriate to drink alcohol, drink heavily. Be smart, but be open to the world.”

CNN’s full statement: “It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain. 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.”

In 2012, Bourdain shared some family photos with Bon Appétit and wrote an essay about his father.

Photo courtesy of the Bourdain family

How Anthony Bourdain Came to Be Anthony Bourdain

Anthony Bourdain grew up to be one of the world's most adventurous (and opinionated) eaters. Here, he credits his father for the man he became.

On social media, chefs, writers, celebrities, and friends of Bourdain are remembering him. Chef Eric Ripert remembers his best friend fondly:

Chef David Chang, who collaborated with Bourdain on Mind of a Chef and other series, shared a Will Oldham quote on Instagram:

Barack Obama shared his memory:

Chef Gordon Ramsay spoke on how inspiring Bourdain was:

Chef Angela Dimayuga shared how Bourdain was a mentor and incredible supporter:

Chef Andy Ricker posted memories from filming together:

As did Chef Yottam Ottolenghi:

Jake Tapper was one of his many CNN colleagues to talk about Bourdain’s generosity:

CNN contributor Ana Navarro recalled his text recommendations:

Pete Souza, former Chief Official White House Photographer, shared an image of President Obama and Bourdain:

Chef Andrew Zimmern paid tribute to his friend by wearing his boots:

Chrissy Teigen called Bourdain her “hero”:

Chef Dominique Ansel remembered Bourdain as a “brilliant storyteller”:

Eric Asimov, New York Times’ wine critic, commented on Bourdain’s cultural influence:

Punch deputy editor Jason Diamond shared a favorite Parts Unknown moment:

Chef Stephanie Izard remembered the first time she met Bourdain on Top Chef:

Chef Daniela Soto-Innes shared a favorite Bourdain quote:

Retired astronaut Scott Kelly recalled watching Bourdain in space:

Chef Marcus Samuelsson encouraged others to seek help:

Neil deGrasse Tyson shared a memory of Bourdain on his podcast:

Lin-Manuel Miranda shared how Bourdain helped shape his eating habits:

Actress Busy Philipps remembered Bourdain’s humor:

Former Gourmet editor-in-chief Ruth Reichl remembers Bourdain's individuality:

Chef José Andrés remarks on Bourdain's spirit:

This post will be continually updated throughout the day.