Anthony Bourdain Was an Awesome Forward Culture Icon

Anthony Bourdain, the world-renowned food journalist, tragically took his own life on June 8, 2018. He was found hanging in his hotel room in France, the day after filming an episode of his CNN series, Parts Unknown. The new biography by Charles Leerhsen, titled "Down and Out in Paradise: The Life of Anthony Bourdain," reveals the heartbreaking details of his final days, including his struggles with severe depression and heartbreak.

Leerhsen's unauthorized book, which is available for pre-order, covers Bourdain's life from a young age, including his relationships, family life, and struggles with substance abuse. The biography includes texts from the late celebrity, revealing a man struggling with heartbreak and severe depression right before his death.

Leerhsen conducted over 80 interviews and obtained numerous electronic communications from Bourdain's estate, controlled by his ex-wife, Ottavia Busia-Bourdain. The communications between Bourdain and his ex-wife, as well as him and his ex-girlfriend, Asia Argento, give insight into his tragic final days.

In one text exchange, Bourdain expressed his unhappiness with his life and his job. "I hate my fans, too. I hate being famous. I hate my job," he wrote to his ex-wife. "I am lonely and living in constant uncertainty." Although they were divorced, Bourdain and Busia-Bourdain remained friends and confidantes. According to the biography, their relationship allegedly contributed to a rift between Bourdain and Argento.

Argento was spotted dancing with another man at a restaurant she often frequented with Bourdain. The steamy moment was caught on camera by paparazzo Rino Barillari. Leerhsen's biography claims that Bourdain searched Argento's name "hundreds of times" a few days after seeing the photos. Texts between Bourdain and Argento reveal that he seemed tormented by what he saw and was struggling with his feelings.

Argento allegedly responded that she couldn't handle his possessiveness and ended their relationship. This all occurred the day before he hanged himself.

In his final days, Bourdain stayed at a boutique hotel in Kaysersberg to shoot his show Parts Unknown on CNN.

The night before his suicide;

Bourdain exchanged texts with Argento, asking if there was anything he could do. She responded by telling him to stop "busting her balls," and he replied with a simple "OK." He then hung himself that night.

The new biography has already sparked controversy, with Bourdain's family members calling it defamatory and requesting corrections. However, the publisher, Simon & Schuster, disagrees with this sentiment and intends to publish the book on October 11.

The tragic death of Anthony Bourdain has left the world in shock and disbelief. He was a man who had a passion for exploring different cultures and cuisines and had a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His untimely death is a reminder that depression and mental health issues can affect anyone, no matter how successful or loved they may be.

We must continue to remember and celebrate Anthony Bourdain's contributions to the culinary and travel industries. His passion for exploring new cultures and trying new foods was contagious, and his legacy continues to inspire a new generation of food lovers and travel enthusiasts.

Moreover, Bourdain's death highlights the importance of raising awareness about mental health issues and the need for more resources and support for those struggling with mental illness. We must prioritize mental health and break the stigma surrounding mental illness to prevent further tragedies.

As fans, we can honor Bourdain's memory by continuing to explore and appreciate different cultures and cuisines. We can also support mental health initiatives and advocate for better mental health resources and support in our communities.

In the end, the tragedy of Anthony Bourdain's death serves as a reminder to cherish our loved ones, to seek help when we need it, and to never take life for granted. His legacy lives on, and we can all learn from his passion, curiosity, and compassion.