What You May Not Know About Anthony Bourdain
Published -
- June 11, 2018
- 8:42 pm
CNN announced the passing of celebrity chef and author Anthony Bourdain on June 8th, 2018.
The beloved television personality died in an apparent suicide inside of his Strasbourg, France hotel room at the age of 61. The network’s statement read, in part: “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.” The New Jersey native’s journey to global fame began in 2000 with the release of his autobiography, Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly. He went on to host a string of successful food and travel shows, including the Emmy-winning No Reservations on the Travel Channel, and CNN’s Parts Unknown. As celebrities and fans remember all of the wonderful moments the outspoken host served up, here are a few stories you may not know about Anthony Bourdain…
Life-changing oyster | 0:55
Humble beginnings | 1:23
His hero | 2:05
His harshest critic | 2:42
Twitter legend | 3:14
“Free” at 60 | 3:57
How did Bourdain use his platform to advocate for social justice?
Anthony Bourdain was a household name in the world of food and travel. He possessed a charismatic personality that drew viewers in as he explored different cultures and cuisines around the globe. However, behind the television persona that so many came to love, there are many things about Anthony Bourdain that people may not know.
First and foremost, although Bourdain’s work primarily centered around food, his passion was writing. He had authored several books, including a novel and various memoirs. Before his television career took off, he was a successful executive chef at a New York City restaurant. Eventually, he transitioned into writing about the culinary world, which led to his television career.
Another lesser-known fact about Bourdain is his advocacy for immigrants and marginalized communities. Throughout his travels, he often highlighted the stories of people who are often forgotten or overlooked, and tried to bring attention to social and political issues. He was an advocate for the #MeToo movement, LGBTQ rights, and was an outspoken critic of American foreign policy.
Additionally, Bourdain struggled with addiction throughout his life. He was open about his past drug use and issues with alcohol, and was a frequent advocate for mental health and addiction treatment. Bourdain tragically took his own life in 2018, which highlighted the importance of mental and emotional wellbeing.
Despite the many challenges he faced during his lifetime, Bourdain left a lasting impact on the world. He brought people together through food and exploration, fought for social justice, and inspired many to live boldly and authentically. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come.
In conclusion, Anthony Bourdain was much more than just a celebrity chef and television host. He was a writer, an activist, and a person who fought for what he believed was right. His passion and legacy will remain forever etched in the world through his books, television shows, and the impact he had on those who had the pleasure of watching him or meeting him in person.
