The final messages of celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, leading up to his tragic death in 2018, have now been shared publicly.
Bourdain, who passed away by suicide at the age of 61, left behind a legacy of culinary innovation and fearless exploration of global cultures.
His death shocked the world, and now, new details are emerging about the final conversation he had with his assistant just before his passing.
The Last Conversation with His Assistant
In her memoir, Care and Feeding: A Memoir, Laurie Woolever, Bourdain’s former assistant, opened up about the last conversation she had with him the day before his death.
She recalled texting him, “I hope you’re doing OK,” to which he replied, “I’ll live, and we’ll survive.”
Woolever believed that when Bourdain said “we,” he was referring to his partner at the time, Asia Argento.
The relationship between Bourdain and Argento had been under intense public scrutiny after photos surfaced of Argento kissing a French journalist just days before Bourdain’s death.
The Day Before the Tragedy
Just before the fatal day, Bourdain had instructed Woolever to schedule a series of appointments for him, including a lunch, a haircut, a doctor visit, and a session with his jiu-jitsu trainer.
The next morning, at 4:25 am, Woolever received a call from Bourdain’s agent informing her that he had taken his own life.
Woolever had previously known of Bourdain’s tendency to “glibly threaten” suicide in moments of frustration, but this time, it was tragically real.
Asia Argento’s Reaction to His Death
Following Bourdain’s death, Argento, who had been in a relationship with him from 2016 until his passing, expressed her heartbreak.
In a statement, she said, “Anthony gave all of himself in everything he did.
His brilliant, fearless spirit touched and inspired so many, and his generosity knew no bounds.
He was my love, my rock, my protector.”
Argento also fiercely defended herself from accusations that she was somehow responsible for his death, telling reporters, “People need to think that he killed himself because of something like this.
He cheated on me too, but it wasn’t a problem for us.”
Bourdain’s Legacy in the Culinary World
Bourdain, known for his unapologetic and candid approach to food and life, had a significant impact on both the culinary industry and global culture.
From his time as an executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles in New York City to becoming a global TV personality, his influence was immeasurable.
His memoir, Kitchen Confidential, published in 2000, revealed the gritty underworld of the restaurant business and catapulted him into stardom.
He went on to host several successful shows, including Parts Unknown on CNN and No Reservations on the Travel Channel.
The Global Mourning After His Passing
Bourdain’s passing sent shockwaves throughout the world, with tributes pouring in from across the globe.
Former President Barack Obama, who appeared with Bourdain on Parts Unknown in 2016, shared his grief on Twitter, writing, “He taught us about food – but more importantly, about its ability to bring us together.
To make us a little less afraid of the unknown.
We’ll miss him.” Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver also paid tribute, saying that Bourdain’s death left a “massive foodie hole” that could never be filled.
Bourdain’s Advocacy for Women and His Outspoken Views
Bourdain was also known for his outspoken support of women, particularly during the #MeToo movement.
He stood alongside women accusing powerful figures like Harvey Weinstein, with whom Argento had a well-publicized history.
His support for the movement was evident in his social media posts and public statements.
A Father’s Legacy
Bourdain’s daughter, Ariane Bourdain, was 11 years old at the time of his death.
In a 2008 interview, Bourdain had reflected on fatherhood and how it had changed his outlook on life, saying that his daughter’s birth made him realize that he had to “do the best I can and not do anything really stupidly self-destructive.”
His commitment to his daughter and his desire to be a better person for her were deeply felt by those closest to him.
Bourdain’s Early Life and Career Struggles
Bourdain’s journey to fame was far from traditional.
Growing up in New York City, his love for food began during a family trip to France, where he had his first oyster.
He struggled with drug use, which led him to drop out of Vassar College, but he eventually found his calling in the kitchen.
After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in 1978, Bourdain worked his way up the ranks to become executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles in the 1990s.
The Real Anthony Bourdain
Bourdain was known for his raw honesty, and his work reflected this.
His approach to food television was refreshingly different, focusing not just on the food itself but on the cultures, people, and stories behind the meals.
He famously said that he didn’t want to create a show that would cater to audiences’ expectations, but rather, he wanted to tell the best story he could, even if it was unconventional.
His series, Parts Unknown, was a perfect example of this philosophy.
Reflections on Bourdain’s Impact
Anthony Bourdain’s impact on the culinary world and beyond remains profound.
He was a pioneer in the way food and culture were presented to audiences, and his death left a void that has yet to be filled.
While his life was complicated and full of personal struggles, his legacy lives on through his work and the way he brought people together through food.