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"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.

 

Anthony Bourdain Is Dead At 61—Here's A Look Back At His Illustrious Career

 

 

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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.

 

READ: Anthony Bourdain Has Died, And Filipino Chefs And Personalities Mourn His Painfully Tragic Passing And Share Why They'll Miss Him

 

 

 

#Firenze @asiaargento La Primavera

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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. 

 

READ: A Farewell To Anthony Bourdain, Culinary Game Changer And Master Storyteller

 

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. 

 

 

 

 

Always looking out for me. Late afternoon pint . Scotch egg. #Nigella #London

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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. 

 

 

 

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. 

 

 

 

 

 

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.”

 

 

 

 

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. 

 

 

 

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