Prominent Black figures from media, entertainment and sports mourned the death of Emmy-winning chef, writer and television personality Anthony Bourdain on Friday (June 8).
Bourdain, 61, the host of CNN’s Parts Unknown, was found dead in his Strasbourg, France hotel room from an apparent suicide, reports CNN. He was in the country working on a segment for his award-winning series. Bourdain was found unresponsive by his friend and fellow chef, Eric Ripert.
“It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain,” the network said in a statement Friday morning. “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.”
Bourdain’s honesty about his struggles in life and his appreciation for simple food and traveling allowed him to connect with a wide audience. With his death coming just days after iconic fashion designer Kate Spade took her life by suicide, many people have spoken out about the importance of mental health.
D.L. Hughley
Carla Hall
I am gutted and saddened upon hearing the news of @Bourdain, a beloved presence in the culinary community. You will be missed. pic.twitter.com/GIAijn3jIL
— Carla Hall (@carlahall) June 8, 2018
Wendy Williams
Leslie Jones
Niecy Nash
Jermaine Dupri
Ebro Darden
Neil deGrasse Tyson
A friend of @StarTalkRadio. A friend of Food & Culture. A friend to us all. Anthony Bourdain, RIP. (1956-2018). pic.twitter.com/uVqEgldGsL
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) June 8, 2018
Titus O’Neil
Lena Waithe
Mike Colter
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjxJXTgl4Zj/?taken-by=realmikecolter
Marlon Wayans
Loni Love
Tasha Smith
Questlove
Porsha Williams
Fat Joe
Nicole Ari Parker
Ashley Nicole Black
“Ok, I won’t talk to you” and we sat quietly together for a few minutes. Then someone came over to gush at him and he politely left. That’s the only time I ever met him, but there’s nothing I appreciate more than someone you can sit quietly with.
— Ashley Nicole Black (@ashleyn1cole) June 8, 2018
Victor Cruz
Please check on the people you care about. A simple call or visit could save someone’s life. Waking up to these untimely deaths are disheartening and sad 😔. R.I.P #KateSpade #AnthonyBourdain
— Victor Cruz (@TeamVic) June 8, 2018
