Picture via Instagram
Yesterday, the world lost a legend of cuisine and culture. Anthony Bourdain died of suicide at the age of 61, according to CNN, while he was in France to film his award-winning series Parts Unknown.
Anthony exposed people to distant cultures in a way that made the world feel like a more open, friendly place. He was a welcome voice in a time when xenophobia has unfortunately become all-too-common.
Many took to social media to share their own thoughts on his passing, with a number highlighting that the suicide and mental health issues don't discriminate.
Fellow chef Gordon Ramsay wrote on Twitter, "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."
Anthony's girlfriend Asia Argento issued her own statement via social media:
"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."
“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) 8 June 2018
Barack Obama shared a photo of himself and the celebrity chef enjoying a meal together, tweeting:
"'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."
Anthony's CNN colleagues honoured him during a memoriam show last night, including Anderson Cooper.
“I mean, you never know what goes on in anybody’s head, you never really know what goes on in anybody’s heart,” Anderson said of the travel documentarian.
“But certainly, you know, the pain he must have been feeling, at least in that moment or in those moments, and the loneliness he must be feeling it’s just terribly sad to think about.
"And makes me very sad for him to have — to have a succumbed to that."
The presenter added, "He loved and was loved in return.”
Anthony is survived by his daughter, 11-year-old Ariane.
If you or anyone you know is impacted by suicide, please call Samaritans on 116 123.
