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Screen & Stage • Chef

Anthony Bourdain

Anthony Bourdain was an American chef, author, and television personality known for his books and travel and food programs.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Anthony Bourdain was an American chef, author, and television personality known for his books and travel and food programs. He died in 2018 at age 61 while filming in France.

What it is

Bourdain gained fame as a chef and author with his memoir 'Kitchen Confidential' (2000). He hosted several travel-and-food shows including 'No Reservations' and 'Parts Unknown,' which explored global cuisine and culture.

Why it matters

Bourdain's shows reshaped television coverage of food and travel, blending cuisine with politics and local culture. His work had a strong Canadian audience, influencing how Canadians viewed global food scenes.

Key details

Bourdain was born in New York City in 1956. He died on June 8, 2018, in France while filming 'Parts Unknown.' Authorities reported his death as suicide by hanging. He was married to Ottavia Bourdain and had one daughter.

In short

  • Bourdain's memoir 'Kitchen Confidential' launched his public career.
  • He hosted 'No Reservations' and 'Parts Unknown' among other shows.
  • He died by suicide in 2018 while filming in France.
  • He was married to Ottavia Bourdain and had one daughter.
Canadian angle

Bourdain's travel and food programs had a strong Canadian audience, and his work shaped television coverage of global cuisine and culture viewed in Canada.

Quick questions

How did Anthony Bourdain die?
He died by suicide while in France filming 'Parts Unknown.'
What shows did Anthony Bourdain host?
He hosted 'A Cook's Tour,' 'No Reservations,' 'The Layover,' 'The Taste,' and 'Parts Unknown.'
Who was Anthony Bourdain's wife?
His wife was Ottavia Bourdain, married from 2007 to 2016.

Sources

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Bourdain
    Supports: Birth and death dates, age at death, cause of death, spouse, and hosting credits.
  2. The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/08/business/media/anthony-bourdain-dead.html
    Supports: Death at 61, suicide determination, and location in France while filming.
  3. BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-44414747
    Supports: Death at 61 and report of apparent suicide.
  4. NPRhttps://www.npr.org/2018/06/08/618351592/anthony-bourdain-chef-author-and-tv-host-dies-at-61
    Supports: Death at 61, filming “Parts Unknown,” and cause of death reported as suicide.
  5. The Independenthttps://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/anthony-bourdain-dead-toxicology-report-cause-of-death-funeral-memorial-a8412446.html
    Supports: Toxicology report, suicide by hanging, and reference to ex-wife Ottavia Bourdain.