Anthony Bourdain's Suicide Shocks Hollywood and Beyond: Celebrities, Chefs, Media Mourn Loss of TV Star

Television By TooFab Staff |
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Celebrities, notable chefs and those in his CNN family are in shock Friday after chef/TV food expert Anthony Bourdain, 61, was found dead in a hotel room in France. The cause of death suicide.

"It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain," the network confirmed in a statement. "His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller. His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family at this incredibly difficult time."

CNN's Alisyn Camerota was the first on the network to share the "terribly sad news" on air, during this morning's "New Day" telecast.

"The idea that he was suffering somehow is really heartbreaking," she said, tearing up. "He and I bonded about New Jersey, our beloved home state and Provincetown, an adopted town we both loved. Anthony was interesting, because I always felt while he was a big presence on TV, he was an introvert. When I would see him on the street and bound up to him and give a big smile and chit chat, he was reserved. The idea that he was able to share some of his demons, that he fought drug addiction, that he had fought heroin, I think everybody really appreciates out there, to know somebody out there went through it and came out the other side was really helpful. Obviously, I think all of us just feel like we wish we had known whatever was happening in the past days."

President Donald Trump also expressed his condolences on Friday. "I think it's very sad," he said. "I want to extend to his family my heartfelt condolences. That was very shocking. When I woke up this morning, 'Anthony Bourdain is dead.' And I enjoyed his show, he was quite a character, I will say. I just want to extend my condolences, and also to the family of Kate Spade." Spade also took her life this week.

Bourdain's girlfriend, Asia Argento, posted a statement on Twitter calling him her "rock" and "protector."

Fellow Harvey Weinstein accuser Rose McGowan reposted one of Asia's photos of him on Instagram with the following caption: "Asia loves you. Your daughter loves you. Anna and Nicola love you. You were not just loved, you were beloved. And you chose a permanent solution to a temporary problem. She needed you. We all needed you. Please if you are at the edge, reach out to a hotline or a doctor. Do not choose a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Oh, Bourdain. Please come back. Asia. My Asia. Who has been through more than most could bear. I wrap my arms around you."

Many other stars took to Twitter to express their shock, share tributes to and memories of Bourdain on social media. We'll update this post as more reactions come in.

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