Celebrity chef, TV host, and writer Anthony Bourdain was found dead in a hotel in France on Friday. He was 61.
Following the news, many prominent chefs, writers, and celebrities paid tribute to his work.
.@Bourdain changed the way we thought about restaurants and the people who worked there, and started a fascination with kitchen staffs that will lead to better working conditions. But that voice. Nobody wrote like him, though many tried. https://t.co/SQbuXJoeGN
Chef Eric Ripert, who found Bourdain unresponsive in his hotel room, later paid tribute to his best friend.
Anthony was my best friend. An exceptional human being, so inspiring & generous. One of the great storytellers who connected w so many. I pray he is at peace from the bottom of my heart. My love & prayers are also w his family, friends and loved ones. https://t.co/LbIeZK14ia
Anthony. One of my idols. Unapologetic, passionate and one of the best storytellers on the planet. Thank you for making food so exciting. And always standing up for everything right. Horrible. Why why why. Be at peace now :(
People who knew him and worked with him shared stories of his legendary presence in food and writing.
Tony always made fun of me because I had a hard time calling him Tony — he’s Anthony Bourdain, the whole name. His death is an inexpressible tragedy.
Absolutely stunned. @Bourdain you motherfucker. You giant. You friend. You writer. You most loyal to all around you. God, I’m so sad. Oh, this world. We’ve lost a hero.
Bourdain changed the way I saw the world and my place in it. His curiousity, compassion, and respect for others was inspiring and enlightening. Such a big part of why I started traveling and photographing. Thanks for that Tony. RIP.
Former President Obama — who appeared on Bourdain's show Parts Unknown — shared a photo of their meal together in Hanoi.
“Low plastic stool, cheap but delicious noodles, cold Hanoi beer.” This is how I’ll remember Tony. 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. https://t.co/orEXIaEMZM
And many international journalists commended Bourdain for his coverage of difficult topics.
So sad to hear of #anthonybourdain’s death, a talented, worldly chef who gave Iranians a voice at a time when the country was isolated from the international community — shedding light on our culinary traditions. RIP 🙏🏽 https://t.co/zPDBszI5Y1
Anthony Bourdain, a master storyteller, who often covered social/eco/political issues through his offbeat approach better than many classic journos. He also never hid the demons he battled. A tragic loss... https://t.co/J4Ctk7WCgB
Here is Anthony Bourdain with a group of children in Gaza. Thank you for shining your light on the dark places.
While others simply remembered him for inspiring a love of food and travel.
I’m in shock and hurt. Anthony Bourdain is one of the reasons I began my love of travel and exploring other cultures. No matter how much money or influence someone has, you truly never know what’s going on in their heart and soul. Rest In Peace. https://t.co/FMPD9hUFkx
I also had the great fortune to tell Anthony Bourdain that he was the reason I knew that I could go from being a loudmouthed line cook to being a writer. I read Kitchen Confidential in my 20s, and it inspired me to follow my dreams
Anthony Bourdain is the reason I have a nice chefs knife. And the reason I will always use fresh minced garlic. I learned a lot from his book. 😥
Bourdain's exceptional writing made this one formerly picky, fearful eater very brave and want to try everything and I'll always be grateful for him and the worlds he opened
Argento tweeted her response to her partner's death, saying Bourdain was "my love, my rock, my protector."
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. Other international suicide helplines can be found at befrienders.org.
CORRECTION
Bourdain was found in Kaysersberg, France. An earlier version of this post misidentified the town.