Anthony Bourdain, a name synonymous with culinary adventure and unflinching storytelling, captivated the world with his sharp wit and insatiable curiosity. From the gritty realities of restaurant kitchens in “Kitchen Confidential” to exploring the globe in “Parts Unknown,” Bourdain carved a unique path, becoming a cultural icon far beyond the realm of food. This made the news of Anthony Bourdain’s death in June 2018 all the more devastating.
The world mourned when it was announced that Anthony Bourdain had died. But How Did Anthony Bourdain Die? On the morning of June 8, 2018, the acclaimed chef and television personality was found deceased in his hotel room at Le Chambard Hotel in Kaysersberg-Vignoble, France. His close friend and fellow chef, Éric Ripert, discovered his body, confirming the tragic news that Anthony Bourdain’s cause of death was suicide.
Ripert had grown concerned when Bourdain missed both dinner the previous evening and breakfast that morning. They were in France filming an episode of Bourdain’s award-winning travel show, “Parts Unknown.” The grim discovery revealed that Anthony Bourdain had died by hanging, using the belt of his hotel bathrobe. He was 61 years old.
While his professional life was marked by extraordinary success, Anthony Bourdain’s personal life was a complex tapestry woven with both triumphs and tribulations. He had openly discussed his past struggles with heroin addiction during his early years in the restaurant industry, a period he confessed he was lucky to survive. Although he overcame his substance abuse, the battle with his mental health was a lifelong journey.
The question of how did Anthony Bourdain die is inextricably linked to his internal struggles. While it’s impossible to fully know the depths of his despair in his final moments, his history with mental health challenges undoubtedly played a significant role in his decision. While some were taken aback by the suddenness of his passing, those who knew him more intimately recognized the shadow that sometimes lingered beneath his charismatic exterior. Today, the overwhelming sentiment is one of profound loss and remembrance for a man who touched so many.
Anthony Bourdain: From Kitchens to Global Stages
Born Anthony Michael Bourdain in New York City on June 25, 1956, he spent his formative years in Leonia, New Jersey. Even in his youth, Bourdain displayed a keen interest in food and culture, enjoying film outings with friends followed by passionate discussions over restaurant desserts.
A pivotal moment that ignited his culinary passion was tasting an oyster during a family trip to France. This sensory experience led him to seek work in seafood restaurants while attending Vassar College. Though he left college after two years, his dedication to the culinary world remained steadfast.
He honed his skills at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, graduating in 1978. Starting from entry-level kitchen jobs, Bourdain steadily climbed the ranks. By 1998, he had achieved the position of executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles in New York City, a turning point that coincided with his foray into writing about the often unseen aspects of the culinary world.
Bourdain’s writing was raw and honest, unafraid to delve into his personal battles with addiction, including heroin, LSD, psilocybin, and cocaine. He was candid about the prevalence of substance abuse within the restaurant industry in the 1980s, observing, “In America, the professional kitchen is the last refuge of the misfit. It’s a place for people with bad pasts to find a new family.”
The year 1999 marked Anthony Bourdain’s literary breakthrough. His article “Don’t Eat Before Reading This,” published in The New Yorker, became a sensation, exposing the less glamorous truths of restaurant kitchens with unflinching detail. This article served as the foundation for his 2000 bestseller, Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly.
Kitchen Confidential propelled Bourdain into the spotlight, and his literary success quickly translated to television. His book A Cook’s Tour was adapted into a TV series, paving the way for his iconic show No Reservations in 2005.
Television became Bourdain’s primary medium, and he excelled. From No Reservations to Parts Unknown, which earned him a Peabody Award, he traversed the globe, immersing himself in diverse cultures and cuisines. He became a relatable guide, connecting with people from all walks of life and sharing their stories with authenticity and respect.
His honest and humanistic approach to travel and food resonated deeply with a global audience. As a recovered addict, Bourdain’s personal narrative of redemption further endeared him to many, offering hope and inspiration. Yet, beneath the surface of his public persona, personal struggles persisted.
The Shadow of Despair: Understanding Anthony Bourdain’s Suicide
In an episode of Parts Unknown filmed just two years before his death in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Anthony Bourdain openly consulted a psychotherapist. While the episode maintained the show’s focus on local food and culture, it offered a glimpse into Bourdain’s complex relationship with his own emotional well-being.
During the session, he revealed that even minor disappointments, like a poor airport hamburger, could trigger “a spiral of depression that can last for days.” He also expressed a yearning for greater happiness.
His relationship with Italian actress Asia Argento, which began in 2017, seemed to bring him joy. Despite two previous marriages ending in divorce and separation, Bourdain appeared genuinely happy in this new romance.
However, his internal battles continued. He frequently spoke about death, contemplating his own mortality and even musing about how he might take his own life if he chose to. In one of his last interviews, he chillingly stated his intention to “die in the saddle,” a phrase that took on a haunting resonance after his suicide.
The demanding nature of his career as a travel documentarian, coupled with his underlying mental health struggles, likely contributed to a sense of exhaustion and vulnerability when the cameras were off.
Five days before his death, paparazzi photographs surfaced showing Argento dancing with French reporter Hugo Clément. While reports later indicated that Bourdain and Argento had an open relationship, the impact of these images on Bourdain remains speculative. It is impossible to definitively know what he was feeling in his final days.
At 9:10 a.m. on June 8, 2018, Anthony Bourdain was found dead at Le Chambard Hotel. The manner of Anthony Bourdain’s death was quickly confirmed as suicide. Éric Ripert, his friend and collaborator on Parts Unknown, made the heartbreaking discovery in Bourdain’s hotel room.
“Anthony was a dear friend,” Ripert shared in a statement. “He was an exceptional human being, so inspiring and generous. One of the great storytellers of our time who connected with so many. I wish him peace. My love and prayers are with his family, friends, and loved ones.”
Christian de Rocquigny, the prosecutor of Colmar, the city nearest to the hotel, affirmed that Anthony Bourdain’s cause of death was clearly suicide, stating, “We have no reason to suspect foul play.” Initial toxicology reports later confirmed the absence of narcotics, finding only a trace of a non-narcotic medication. Experts concluded that Anthony Bourdain’s suicide appeared to be an “impulsive act.”
Legacy of a Culinary Storyteller
In the immediate aftermath of Anthony Bourdain’s death, fans gathered at Brasserie Les Halles, his former New York City restaurant, to create makeshift memorials. Condolences poured in from colleagues at CNN, President Obama, and countless others who were touched by his work. His mother expressed the shock and disbelief of many, stating that he was “absolutely the last person in the world I would have ever dreamed would do something like this.”
The question of why Anthony Bourdain died by suicide lingered in the minds of many, especially given his recent assertion that he “had things to live for.” Some more speculative theories arose, suggesting his outspokenness might have played a role, particularly his vocal support for Argento and the #MeToo movement against figures like Harvey Weinstein.
Bourdain was a staunch advocate for the #MeToo movement, using his platform to denounce sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry and beyond. While his activism was praised by many, it undoubtedly created friction with powerful individuals.
Despite these speculations, authorities maintained that there was no evidence of foul play, and all indications pointed to suicide as the cause of death. No credible evidence has ever emerged to suggest otherwise.
In the years following his death, Anthony Bourdain’s memory has been honored in numerous ways. Éric Ripert and other prominent chefs established June 25th as “Bourdain Day,” commemorating his birthday and celebrating his life and legacy.
The documentary Roadrunner, released in 2021, offered an intimate portrayal of Bourdain’s life through personal videos, show clips, and interviews with those closest to him. The film explored both his magnetic personality and his underlying struggles, highlighting the profound impact he had on the world.
Anthony Bourdain’s words continue to resonate: “Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” His legacy endures through his work, inspiring countless individuals to embrace curiosity, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please seek help. You can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the United States at 988 or find resources in your country.
