Iconic Chef Anthony Bourdain Died 8 Years Ago Today-Why His Legacy Matters
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24 hours a day through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Eight years ago today, the world lost the legendary chef, author and Parts Unknown host Anthony Bourdain. Known for his infinite curiosity, razor-sharp wit and passionate approach to travel, food and, most of all, life, Bourdain leaves behind a profound legacy, one that continues to inspire the world to this very day.
According to CNN, at the time of his death, Bourdain was filming an episode of his award-winning CNN series Parts Unknown in France. His close friend and French chef Eric Ripert found Bourdain unresponsive in his hotel room on June 8, 2018. Tragically, Bourdain had died by suicide. He was 61.
Bourdain was the magnetic force behind the popularization of "foodie" culture. He first gained fame after publishing his memoir and exposé of the restaurant industry, Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly. After the book's massive success, Bourdain began hosting television travel shows including A Cook's Tour, Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations and Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. Bourdain would later win several Emmy Awards for his work on Parts Unknown.
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Why Anthony Bourdain's Legacy Matters
While Bourdain may be gone, his impact on the culinary world and humanity as a whole absolutely is not. In fact, his legacy of radical curiosity and openness is probably more important now than ever. After all, we live in vastly disconnected times, fraught with divisiveness, pain and loneliness. Bourdain lived his life as a prime example of how to connect with others, how to learn about the world around you and, most of all, how to love with your whole chest.
In honor of Anthony Bourdain's memory, consider doing something out of your comfort zone tonight. Sit at your local bar and strike up a conversation with the stranger sitting on the barstool next to you. Reconnect with a friend you lost touch with. Try a cuisine you've never experienced before. Really, just be open-minded. It's what Tony would have done.
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This story was originally published June 8, 2026 at 4:10 PM.