Beloved television personality Anthony Bourdain died on Friday in an apparent suicide, and Hollywood was quick to remember the “Parts Unknown” host.
All weekend, fans flocked to Bourdain’s former restaurant Les Halles, where he served as executive for eight years in New York City. Mourners paid tribute to the chef with flowers and hand-written notes taped to the exterior of the brasserie.
One note, signed with a heart, read: “Thanks for showing us the world Anthony.”
Another said: “I read all of your books. You improved my vocabulary. You let me know it is not about where you have been but where you are going. You had to leave with an impact. Your existence was an impact.”
In addition to mourning Bourdain, many urged others who may be depressed or considering suicide to find help. Bourdain’s death came just three days after the death by suicide of fashion designer Kate Spade.
Bourdain’s partner, actress Asia Argento, shared a touching message following his death.
President Barack Obama, who appeared on an episode of “Parts Unknown” (in Hanoi, Vietnam), honored Bourdain on social media.
“‘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,” Obama tweeted.
Chef Eric Ripert, who was the one to discover Bourdain unresponsive in his hotel room, tweeted a photo of the two and said, “Anthony was my best friend. An exceptional human being, so inspiring & generous. One of the great storytellers who connected w so many. I pray he is at peace from the bottom of my heart. My love & prayers are also w his family, friends and loved ones.”
“I was saddened to hear of the deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain,” wrote Bryan Cranston. “It illustrates that success is not immune to depression. We all need to be more aware of our friends who are suffering.”
“Stunned and saddened by the loss of Anthony Bourdain,” wrote Gordon Ramsay. “He brought the world into our homes and inspired so many people to explore cultures and cities through their food.”
“Anthony. One of my idols,” cookbook author Christine Teigen wrote on Twitter. “Unapologetic, passionate and one of the best storytellers on the planet. Thank you for making food so exciting.”
“I’ve just woken to the tragic news about Anthony Bourdain,” “Everybody Loves Raymond” creator and “Somebody Feed Phil” host Phil Rosenthal tweeted. “I always considered him a superhero, and a direct inspiration. In his ground breaking shows, he embodied the spirit of travel, adventure, and strove to make the world a true community. RIP.”
Writer-director Darren Aronofsky, who also appeared on Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown,” said he was devastated by his death.
“Devastated. I don’t feel much else,” he said in a statement. “Tony was a loyal friend and an inspiration. Always sensitive, always connected, always inquisitive, always fun. We had great times exploring Madagascar and Bhutan together. I will never forget his spirit, his conviction, his professionalism, his passion, his love for his daughter, his love for Asia and her kids, his vision, his stories, his drive for justice, and his wicked sense of humor. Thank you Tony.”
Television chef and author Sandra Lee, who Bourdain had criticized in the past, said Bourdain was larger than life.
“I am shocked – Anthony was a larger than life personality with so much talent,” she said, “He was a gifted, smart, articulate man and even though he could be incredibly critical, especially of me, somehow that was part of his charm. The food entertainment business is a family and every member has their place with a unique personality – we all have a voice within our family and we always stick together. That does not mean we always agree or get along but we all truly love and adore one another, no matter what. I am so very sad. The food entertainment family has lost their bad boy and he will be greatly missed.”
“Archer” executive producers Adam Reed and Matt Thompson also released a statement. Bourdain voiced the character Lance Casteau on the episode “Live and Let Dine” in the fourth season of “Archer.”
“On behalf of all the cast and crew of ‘Archer,’ we offer our deepest sympathies to Anthony’s loved ones,” they said. “We will miss his great and genuine talent, and even more so his warmth, wit, and friendship. Rest in peace.”
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