It’s been almost seven years since the world lost the beloved chef and television host Anthony Bourdain.
His death in June 2018 left an indelible mark on the culinary world and beyond, but now, new details have emerged about his final moments.
Bourdain, who was just 61 at the time, died by suicide in a hotel room in Kaysersberg, France, while filming for his show Parts Unknown.
The revelation of his chilling final text has sparked renewed attention and deep reflection on his life and struggles.
Bourdain’s former assistant, Laurie Woolever, shared a poignant account of their last conversation in her memoir, Care and Feeding: A Memoir.
She reveals that the day before his tragic death, she checked in with Bourdain, saying, “I hope you’re doing OK.”
His response was brief, yet haunting: “I’ll live, and we’ll survive.”
Woolever noted that she believed the “we” referred to Bourdain’s partner, Asia Argento, who had recently been photographed with French journalist Hugo Clément.
This photo caused a media frenzy, and Bourdain had instructed Woolever to ignore any media inquiries about it.
A Final Request Before His Death
In their last exchange, Bourdain asked Woolever to arrange a number of personal tasks for him: a lunch, a haircut, a doctor’s appointment, and a private jiu-jitsu session, all for the week following his return to New York.
But by the morning, everything had changed.
At 4:25 a.m. the next day, Bourdain’s agent, Kim, called Woolever to inform her that Bourdain had taken his own life.
Though Bourdain had often made light-hearted comments about suicide in the past, his actions were never taken seriously by those around him.
Woolever revealed that Bourdain had “glibly threatened a million times” to end his life, but these remarks were usually made in response to minor frustrations, such as bad food or delayed flights.
Asia Argento’s Heartbreaking Tribute
Following Bourdain’s death, his partner, Asia Argento, shared a deeply emotional tribute.
Argento, who had been in a relationship with Bourdain from 2016 to 2018, described him as her “love, my rock, my protector.
” She continued, “Anthony gave all of himself in everything he did.
His brilliant, fearless spirit touched and inspired so many, and his generosity knew no bounds.”
Argento expressed her devastation, asking for privacy during this incredibly painful time.
However, as the grief set in, Argento was also forced to address cruel rumors that she was somehow responsible for Bourdain’s death.
In an interview with DailyMailTV in September 2018, she responded directly to those claims, saying, “People say I murdered him.
They say I killed him. I understand that the world needs to find a reason.
I would like to find a reason too. People need to think that he killed himself for something like this.
He cheated on me too. It wasn’t a problem for us.”
Bourdain’s Lasting Impact on the Culinary World
Anthony Bourdain’s legacy extends far beyond his work in the kitchen.
He became a household name in the 2000s thanks to his bestselling book, Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly, and the subsequent success of his television programs, including Parts Unknown and No Reservations.
He used his platform to explore food, culture, and the human experience, often diving into parts of the world that were untouched by tourists.
His popularity grew not just because of his culinary expertise, but because of his authentic voice and willingness to speak out on important social issues.
In his final years, Bourdain became a staunch advocate for women’s rights, especially in light of the #MeToo movement, which his partner Asia Argento was heavily involved in.
Bourdain publicly expressed his support for victims of sexual assault and made it clear that he stood “unhesitatingly and unwaveringly with the women.”
Bourdain’s Personal Struggles and His Influence
Bourdain’s own journey was not without its struggles.
He openly spoke about his battles with addiction, his rough beginnings in the culinary world, and his eventual rise to fame.
In 2008, he reflected on how becoming a father had changed his outlook on life, saying that his daughter, Ariane, gave him a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility.
His love for food and his career came from humble beginnings, starting with a childhood trip to France that sparked his love for culinary delights.
Despite all his success, Bourdain never shied away from discussing the personal demons he faced.
In the preface to Kitchen Confidential, he admitted that he had no idea his book would garner such attention.
He had written it for his peers in the culinary world, not for the mass public.
His candid and unfiltered writing style made him an instant sensation and helped shape the celebrity chef culture we know today.
Remembering Anthony Bourdain
In the wake of his death, tributes poured in from across the world.
Celebrities, chefs, and fans all mourned the loss of a man who had touched so many lives.
Former President Barack Obama, who appeared with Bourdain on Parts Unknown in 2016, tweeted, “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.”
Jamie Oliver, another famous chef, shared on Instagram that Bourdain’s death left a “massive foodie hole” that could never be filled.
Even in the years since his passing, Bourdain’s work continues to inspire those who value authenticity, exploration, and understanding the world through food and culture.
A Call for Awareness on Mental Health
Bourdain’s death brought to light the importance of mental health awareness, especially for those who seem to have everything going for them.
His openness about his struggles, coupled with his tragic end, serves as a reminder that even those who appear strong on the outside can be struggling on the inside.