The body of the renowned chef was found in his hotel room in France.
Anthony Bourdain, the renowned American chef and television personality, has been found dead. The "Parts Unknown" host was 61.
His body was found in his French hotel room by close friend and fellow chef Éric Ripert, according to CNN. His cause of death was reported as a suicide.
The pair had been traveling together while filming "Parts Unknown," Bourdain's CNN series
"It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain," the network said in a statement. "His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller. His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family at this incredibly difficult time."
Italian actress Asia Argento, Bourdain's girlfriend and mother of his child, also released a heartbreaking statement.
"Anthony gave all of himself in everything that he did," Argento said. "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."
"Parts Unknown," which premiered in 2013, followed Bourdain as he traveled the world, uncovering lesser-known cuisines in unique corners of the world. In 2013, he was honored with a Peabody Award for "expanding our palates and horizons in equal measure."
During his acceptance speech, he said his team travels the world, asking simple questions.
"'What makes you happy? What do you eat? What do you like to cook?' And everywhere in the world we go and ask these simple questions, we tend to get some really astonishing answers," he said.
Bourdain also hosted the Travel Channel series "No Reservations," and penned numerous books, including The New York Times best-seller "Kitchen Confidential" in 2000.
Food writer Ali Rosen, who hosted Bourdain on her show, "Potluck," told InsideEdition.com he changed the way Americans viewed food.
"He truly brought the love of cooking to American homes that no one had ever seen before," she said. "He will be incredibly missed by the food community who always appreciated he was willing to shine a light on cuisines and cultures that perhaps didn’t get attention in other parts of the media."
In an interview with CBS News Friday, director of Chowhound, Carleigh Connolly, added, "He really was an incredible trailblazer. He helped people think differently about food and travel, and exposed them to countries that they may have never even heard of or had the opportunity to learn about thanks to his honest and refreshing take."
"Stunned and saddened by the loss of Anthony Bourdain," British chef Gordon Ramsay tweeted Friday. "He brought the world into our homes and inspired so many people to explore cultures and cities through their food."
Bourdain, born in New York City, had been open in the past about his history with substance abuse. He recently told People magazine that his daughter, 11-year-old Ariane, was the catalyst to keeping his life on a more responsible path.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline day or night at 1-800-273-8255.
RELATED STORIES
