Movies

Chilling final text from Anthony Bourdain before his tragic suicide at 61

BBG News

Anthony Bourdain‘s chilling final text before his shock death aged 61 in 2018 has been revealed.

In June 2018, a well-known and outspoken celebrity chef took his own life in a room at the Le Chambard hotel in Kaysersberg, France.

In a recently published memoir titled “Care and Feeding: A Memoir”, Laurie Woolever, who used to be his assistant, shares her intricate relationship with Bourdain and mentions that their last conversation was on the day prior to his passing.

In a conversation with her superior, she expressed concern by saying, “I hope you’re managing alright.” To this, he responded with confidence, “I’ll make it through, and so will we.” (People Magazine report)

It was thought that by “we,” she meant Bourdain’s partner, Asia Argento. Just a few days earlier, photographs of her kissing a French journalist were taken and were intended for publication in an American magazine called The National Enquirer.

Bourdain was cognizant of The Enquirer’s curiosity and directed Woolever to disregard such inquiries, as well as any analogous questions from other establishments. However, he requested that Woolever notify him once The Enquirer’s article is published.

The following day, Tony requested that I arrange several appointments for him during the week following his trip back to New York – a lunch, a haircut, a doctor visit, and a private jiu-jitsu session – just before we parted ways in our last conversation.

At 4.25am the next morning, Bourdain’s agent Kim called her to tell her of Bourdain’s suicide. 

She mentioned that Bourdain had often jokingly or casually expressed thoughts about taking his own life, even over seemingly trivial matters such as a disappointing burger or a flight delay.

Reflecting on him posthumously, Argento – who had a relationship with Bourdain from 2016 to 2018 – stated: ‘Anthony poured every bit of himself into everything he undertook. His remarkable, daring spirit left an impact and ignited inspiration in countless others. He was my love, my foundation, my guardian.’

Oh boy, I’m absolutely crushed! My heart goes out to him and his loved ones during this tough time. Let’s give them the space they need; please remember to show me and them some understanding and compassion too.

After being accused by some that they believed she had caused Bourdain’s death, she responded during an interview with DailyMailTV in September 2018: “They say I murdered him, they say I killed him. I know the world needs an explanation. I wish I could provide one too.

As a lifestyle guide, I’d rephrase it this way: “It’s hard for me to comprehend why someone would take such a drastic step over an issue like this, especially when there were other transgressions in our relationship, such as infidelity. Yet, for him, it apparently didn’t pose a problem.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Bourdain honed his culinary skills while working in New York City. At some point, he reached the rank of executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles.

Anthony Bourdain saw a significant increase in popularity following the 1999 release of his essay series, titled “Don’t Read on an Empty Stomach,” in The New Yorker magazine.

He quickly gained fame as a standout figure in the media food world, thanks to his straightforward and distinct style of speaking, which set him apart from others in his field. (This version aims to convey the original meaning while using more casual language for better readability.)

He subsequently took part as both host and guest in several cooking-related TV series, such as Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown on CNN, Raw Craft, The Mind of a Chef on PBS, The Taste, and Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations on the Travel Channel.

His stardom escalated following the publication of his 2000 book, “Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underworld.” This work seamlessly integrated personal anecdotes from his life and career with his insights into the restaurant industry.

Following his passing, Bourdain was deeply missed by many, including numerous fans and famous figures who had interacted with him throughout their lives.

In 2016, Barack Obama, a previous U.S. President, who teamed up with Bourdain on Parts Unknown, shared on Twitter, ‘He didn’t just educate us about food, but more crucially, he showed us its power to unite us. To help us conquer our fear of the unknown. We will surely miss him.’

Celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver, shared on Instagram that the passing of the culinary pioneer has left “a significant void in the world of food enthusiasts everywhere, one that cannot be filled.

The year before his death, Bourdain garnered attention for his vocal criticisms against President Donald Trump, as well as for standing with women during the #MeToo movement.

Argento, had accused since-convicted producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault.

Bourdain said at the time on Medium, ‘I stand unhesitatingly and unwaveringly with the women.’

In a tweet after Bourdain’s death, Argento expressed deep sorrow, stating that his exceptional, courageous spirit had profoundly affected and motivated countless individuals, and his kindness was boundless.

Actress Rose McGowan, who had previously accused Weinstein of sexual assault, shared online, “Anthony, I am so angry with you – you were so cherished, the world feels dimmer without you. For those contemplating suicide as an escape from their current struggles, please reach out to a hotline.

Bourdain was father to daughter Ariane Bourdain, 17, with then-wife Ottavia Busia-Bourdain.

Reflecting on a transformative moment in my life, I recall 2008 when my daughter was born. This precious event shifted my perspective significantly. Now, I feel a profound sense of responsibility to strive for the best and make wise decisions that minimize self-destructive behavior, if feasible.

Apart from displaying food, Parts Unknown offered a glimpse into local customs, focusing on areas less frequented by tourists. The Japan episode in its debut season featured an unusual robot show, a meeting with a death metal band, dining with a woman linked to the city’s BDSM scene, and more.

Bourdain was reluctant to analyze why his series succeeded.

He shared with AP that if one focuses too much on who the audience is and what they might expect, it could lead to subpar or average results. Instead, he suggested producing the best story possible in the best way you can. If it intrigues you, perhaps others will find it interesting as well. If you don’t create TV this way, it’s like catering to their tastes.

Born and raised in New York City (specifically) and Leonia, New Jersey, Bourdain developed his passion for food during a family trip to France as a youngster, when he tasted his first oyster. He openly discussed his personal battles, admitting that drug abuse caused him to leave Vassar College after only two years.

Through his experience in restaurants, he found himself enrolling at the Culinary Institute of America, graduating in 1978. Post-graduation, he delved into kitchen work within New York City. Eventually, in 1998, he ascended to the position of executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles.

In the introduction to the updated version of Kitchen Confidential, Bourdain expressed his astonishment over the book’s popularity, as it was penned by waking up early at 5 a.m., sneaking in a few hours at the computer before heading to the saute station for lunch.

He clarified that he didn’t plan to write a revealing piece or uncover secrets about the restaurant industry, as he appreciated the current state of the restaurant business.

In my endeavor, I aimed to pen down a book that would keep my culinary comrades amused, and more importantly, ring true to our shared experiences. I envisioned it as if we were gathered in the kitchen on a Saturday night after a hectic dinner rush, unwinding with cold beers, swapping tales, and shooting the breeze – just like old times.

Bourdain expressed surprise that people beyond the chef community would take notice of his remarks at all.

In a recent post, he expressed that the rise of celebrity chefs is an intriguing yet somewhat bothersome trend. Despite its positive impact on business and his personal success, he finds it hard not to chuckle about it. Among all professions, he argues that chefs are among the least prepared for sudden public exposure.

If you’re in need of confidential assistance within the UK, reach out to the Samaritans by dialing 116 123. For more information, please visit their website at www.samaritans.org. In the United States, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK).

Read More

2025-03-01 00:20

Previous post Zero Day Season 2 release date and details
Next post Unlock Sharp Fangs in MHW