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.
https://twitter.com/AsiaArgento/status/1005116310366269440
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.
“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) June 8, 2018
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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/LbIeZK14ia
— Eric Ripert (@ericripert) June 8, 2018
“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.”
According to AFSP, there are nearly 45,000 suicides every year in the US. Shocking. I was saddened to hear of the deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain. RIP. It illustrates that success is not immune to depression. We all need to be more aware of our friends who are suffering
— Bryan Cranston (@BryanCranston) June 8, 2018
“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.”
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. 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.”
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 :(
— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) June 8, 2018
“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.”
I’ve just woken to the tragic news about Anthony Bourdain. 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.
— Phil Rosenthal (@PhilRosenthal) June 8, 2018
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.”
See more reactions below.
https://twitter.com/rosemcgowan/status/1005071100064215040
This is utterly heartbreaking. Thank you for opening our eyes to parts of the world both cherished and unknown. What a legacy. Sending peace and love to his family. If you or someone you love needs help, please reach out or call 1-800-273-TALK. https://t.co/mkht3wTY5m
— Mandy Moore (@TheMandyMoore) June 8, 2018
Heartbroken over Anthony Bourdain’s death. He was such a great example of class, intelligence and compassion. May he Rest In Peace. 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/bFlBF5K38a
— Eva Longoria Baston (@EvaLongoria) June 8, 2018
Crushing and sad about Anthony Bourdain.
Regardless of how people spar over certain issues, this is tragic news.@Bourdain
— HABFoundation (@ABFalecbaldwin) June 8, 2018
Sad to hear of Anthony Bourdain’s passing…RIP
— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) June 8, 2018
Maybe we all wanted to hang out with him. He was that cool, fun, frank, insightful. He introduced us to distant lands and to people with different traditions. And without ever preaching, he reminded us that we humans are far more alike than different. Thank you Anthony Bourdain pic.twitter.com/QMznx4JMhS
— Mia Farrow (@MiaFarrow) June 8, 2018
A very sad week with the loss of both Kate Spade & Anthony Bourdain 🕊
You never know what someone is going through … have compassion always for others, & for yourself- you are never alone in feeling alone. There is always someone to listen and support you- text HELLO to 741741— Gigi Hadid (@GiGiHadid) June 8, 2018
There is no recipe to replicate Anthony Bourdain. He was a true original and 100% authentic. May his soul continue to roam the world freely.
— Larry King (@kingsthings) June 8, 2018
Incredibly sad news about Anthony Bourdain. Sending such love to his family, including his CNN family, who must be hurting terribly today. If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, please remember, help is right here: Nat’l Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) June 8, 2018
Also thinking of @AsiaArgento today. Keep her in your prayers. Rest In Peace Anthony Bourdain.
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) June 8, 2018
This is so awful.
Anthony Bourdain, 61, has died. He took his own life.
He was in France working on an upcoming episode of his award-winning CNN series. His close friend Eric Ripert, the French chef, found Bourdain unresponsive in his hotel room Friday morning.
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) June 8, 2018
With love, respect & admiration. Please hold his family in your prayers. Tell someone you love them today. Suicide prevention hotline: 1-800-273-8255 #rip @anthonybourdain pic.twitter.com/7lDCJQBx45
— Don Lemon (@donlemon) June 8, 2018
He was so good at putting words to what so many of us feel. RIP Anthony Bourdain. pic.twitter.com/0MEwsgTXe6
— David Muir (@DavidMuir) June 8, 2018
Now, Anthony Bourdain. How terribly sad!
Please, please, let us treat mental illness, depression and suicide as health issues, not defects of character. That stigma is part of what prevents people from getting help they need. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) June 8, 2018
I will never forget Anthony Bourdain's smile and laugh. @Bourdain was the warmest presence when he walked in any room. He taught us all so much about culture, life and living each day fully. You will be dearly missed, Anthony.
— Poppy Harlow (@PoppyHarlowCNN) June 8, 2018
The suicides of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade this week are a reminder: No matter how successful, wealthy or seemingly happy you are, we all battle our own demons.
Reach out to one another. Destigmatize depression, addiction and anxiety.
We are all in this together.
— Chris Cillizza (@CillizzaCNN) June 8, 2018
A piece of my heart is truly broken this morning. And the irony, the sad cruel irony is that the last year he’d never been happier. The rest of my heart aches for the 3 amazing women he left behind.
Tony was a symphony. I wish everyone could have seen all of him. A true friend.— Andrew Zimmern (@andrewzimmern) June 8, 2018
RIP Tony Bourdain …Wtf …in complete shock … loss for words
— michael symon (@chefsymon) June 8, 2018
Shattered… https://t.co/dYcnGw7XCp
— Tyler Florence (@TylerFlorence) June 8, 2018
Heartbroken to hear about Tony Bourdain’s death. Unbearable for his family and girlfriend. Am going off twitter for a while
— Nigella Lawson (@Nigella_Lawson) June 8, 2018
RIP Anthony Bourdain pic.twitter.com/aFb6ZAcGSo
— Gilbert Gottfried (@RealGilbert) June 8, 2018
Anthony Bourdain's suicide a sobering reminder of how fragile life is and that we never know what's going on inside of another. Suicide is rarely a person acting, but rather being acted upon by the disease of clinical depression. We are all vulnerable. So very sad.
— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) June 8, 2018
A friend of @StarTalkRadio. A friend of Food & Culture. A friend to us all. Anthony Bourdain, RIP. (1956-2018). pic.twitter.com/uVqEgldGsL
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) June 8, 2018
Kate Spade & Anthony Bourdain both had young daughters.
Those poor girls.
Every suicide has many victims.— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) June 8, 2018
Shocked by the terrible loss of Anthony Bourdain. Why is it always the best of us?
— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) June 8, 2018
I hope to one day be 1% as interesting as Anthony Bourdain was.
— Brooks Wheelan (@brookswheelan) June 8, 2018
Rest In Peace, Anthony Bourdain. You were tour guide, concierge and friend to all of us weary travelers. The planet is a little lonelier place without you.
— Daniel Dae Kim (@danieldaekim) June 8, 2018
One of my dreams was to sip wine and eat outrageously good food with Anthony Bourdain. His book, Kitchen Confidential, was a game changer for me. I don’t even know what to say https://t.co/69HUZyApq7
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) June 8, 2018
Ohh nooo! Anthony Bourdain!!!! Be at peace, brother.❤️
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) June 8, 2018
Wow. Anthony bourdain. Soo shocking and sad.
— Dane DeHaan (@danedehaan) June 8, 2018
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
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bjw5LoOBM6k/