"We Needed You. Please Come Back:" Anthony Bourdain's Closest Friends React To His Unforeseen Death
Master chefs and casual foodies, journalists and travel enthusiasts, as well as Anthony Bourdain's massive fan base made up of people from all corners of the world are all grieving the loss of their hero, idol, and and mentor all rolled into one.
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Those closest to him including British chefs and TV personalities Nigella Lawson and Gordon Ramsay, French chef Éric Ripert, girlfriend Asia Argento, and actress Rose McGowan were some of his mourners who have shared the most heart-wrenching tributes.
While each of them all have unique memories of the man whose presence in their lives can never be replaced, their collective grief boils down to one thing: Anthony died too soon, and wondering why a man like him would ever decide to take his own life is a question that desperately begs for answers.
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Below are some of the tributes shared by Anthony's innermost circle:
Nigella Lawson
Nigella and Anthony lived in separate continents and approached culinary mastery in very different ways, but when the seemingly unlikely pals crossed paths, it always looked like Anthony was utterly content to be in the presence of a good friend.
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
Gordon Ramsay
Not one to show softness and sensitivity, this other bad boy in the kitchen let his guard down to express his shock over tragedy. He and Anthony are known for their unconventional styles in the kitchen and in their respective programs, but both had unconditional respect for the other.
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
Éric Ripert
Éric found Anthony unresponsive in his hotel room in France where they were together filming an episode for an upcoming season of Parts Unknown. The French chef known for his excellent seafood dishes took to Instagram to share his thoughts about Anthony, whom he calls his best friend.
Asia Argento
This Italian actress was Anthony's longtime partner. An outspoken leader of the #MeToo movement born out of the Harvey Weinstein sexual assault scandals, she was staunchly openly supported by Anthony in her cause.
— Asia Argento (@AsiaArgento) June 8, 2018
It was an honor to cook for this meeting of the minds @AsiaArgento @rosemcgowan @AnnabellSciorra pic.twitter.com/5UoOl1Xhux
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) November 25, 2017
Rose McGowan
Like Asia, her good friend, Rose was deeply grateful to have Anthony in her life, and on her side, as she too is one the #MeToo movement's most vocal leaders. She posted several tributes to Anthony on social media, including a now-deleted clip of her holding back tears as she struggled to come to terms with his death.
The clip's caption read, “Anthony I am so mad at you. You were so loved, the world is not better without you. I have a message for those considering suicide as a solution to a temporary problem. Please call a hotline. Please reach out. Asia needed you, Anthony. We needed you. Please come back.”
Through space and time, Anthony. Your love will find you again. pic.twitter.com/XBod1vDZ8k
— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) June 8, 2018
The actress and author who is passionate about fighting for social justice and equality also tweeted an informative photo of suicide help hotlines for several countries.
Please reach out for help. Please know that your family is Not better off without you. Numbers below. pic.twitter.com/MBy461iw9F
— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) June 8, 2018
If you are or if someone you know is thinking about suicide or self-harm, please remember that help is a phone call away. In the Philippines, please call suicide prevention hotline numbers at the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation: 02-804-4673 (HOPE), or 0917-558-4673 (HOPE). You may also call the Manila Lifeline Centre at 02-896-9191, or 0917-854-9191. In the US, please call 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). #suicideprevention #suicidepreventionhotline
Photo from @anthonybourdain