As stunned, shocked friends, colleagues and fans process the news that he took his own life, they also fondly remember 61-year-old Anthony Bourdain.
Chef Gordon Ramsay tweeted he was stunned and saddened, posting Bourdain ”brought the world into our homes and inspired so many people to explore cultures”.
Chef Jamie Oliver wrote on Instagram that Bourdain ”really broke the mould … he leaves chefs and fans around the world with a massive foodie hole that simply can’t be replaced!”
Actor and former ”Man vs. Food” host Adam Richman tweeted ”Why?”
”Bizarre Foods” host Andrew Zimmern wrote a piece of his heart ”is truly broken,” adding ”the sad cruel irony” is that in the last year, Bourdain had never been happier.
Bourdain’s girlfriend, Italian actress Asia Argento is asking people to respect the family’s privacy.
”Anthony gave all of himself in everything that 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. I am beyond devastated,” Argento posted on Twitter.
CNN – home of his food and travel series ”Parts Unknown” – will air a special memorial tonight, followed by a night of Bourdain’s favourite episodes Saturday and then a new episode Sunday.