RIP Anthony Bourdain Bad Boy Celebrity Chef

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   Jean Bakulaposted 5 years ago

   I was stunned to learn that Anthony Bourdain died by his own hand early yesterday morning--6/8/18. His colorful travel shows and excellent writing provided us all with a glimpse of people all over the world, teaching about their culture, history, and geography--through food. His descriptive language and cynical views were always fascinating, and I loved all the shows he did, the latest being Parts Unknown on CNN. He also was an excellent author, who made it big with his first book, Kitchen Confidential, a hilarious look about his life as an Executive Chef at a restaurant in Manhattan. 
   
   It's hard to believe this man who seemed to live life to the fullest would commit suicide. He was very tall and thin, but last season I thought he looked very gaunt and "sick" thin. I wonder if he had a disease and decided not to treat it, and then decided to take matters into his own hand? He was in a hotel in France at the time. But he had French ancestry, and found he loved food when his family took him to France to meet his relatives as a boy. He was always open about his wild early years and successful battle against heroin addiction, and it showed in every line in that grizzled face, which sort of made him more attractive.
   
   We need to take mental health more seriously in the U.S. Why do so many people get to the pinnacle of success and commit suicide? I can't get my head around this, I don't even watch much TV.
   
   He will be sorely missed around the world.

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      MizBejabbersposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      Jean, first let me say that I was very saddened at the untimely passing of Mr. Bourdain. We watched his shows frequently and my husband was a big fan of his. I saw a special recently that he did for CNN, and he said that he had been addicted to heroin and cocaine since his 20s, (I believe he said it was that long). He made no bones about his battle with drugs. He also said that he'd been clean for years. It makes me wonder if he fell off the wagon and went back to using. I guess we will just have to wait for the autopsy to find out.
      
      That appears to be one of the reasons he's known as the "bad boy" chef. I know the world will miss him. I really am shocked and saddened by his death.

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         Jean Bakulaposted 5 years agoin reply to this

         I was happy to learn there were no drugs found in Bourdain's autopsy. There was one non narcotic he was taking for a condition he had. I hated to think he relapsed into his old heroin addiction. I also wondered how he could have kept up his work schedule of travel 8 months a year while using. But it's still so sad anyone can feel so desperate they would end their own life. Life is such a gift.

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            jansharesposted 5 years agoin reply to this

            I'm glad too, but not surprised. As I implied in my first post, I believe this was a choice for him. We may never know why. I'm watching the last episode now. Will miss his talent, may he rest in his decision.

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      gmwilliamsposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      I am beyond stunned.  Anthony Bourdain was a true renaissance man.  He was a genius chef but was so approachable & down to earth.  I loved watching his food shows.  I especially loved his take on sushi(my favorite food).   It is so sad that this genius is gone from us forever!  Why? Why? Why?!

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   lobobrandonposted 5 years ago

   RIP. I didn't follow him or know about him. Just wanted to add that success and depression and not things that go hand in hand and depression is one of the biggest reasons for suicide, especially when one is successful.
   
   A person needs to be seriously depressed or lost to be brave enough to kill oneself. It's not an easy decision. Wonder what caused him to take this step.

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   threekeysposted 5 years ago

   I just heard the news.
   I couldn't believe it either!
   I was surprised he had a lifeling battle with heroin and cocaine.
   He had a grittiness about him.
   I lived his cultural foodie shows. He brought all different kinds of people together through food.
   His Italian actress girlfriend is beyond devastation. I can't imagine how his 11 year old daughter is feeling.
   Im glad you acknowledged Mr. Anthony Bourdain. Peace and Blissful rest Anthony.

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   DrMark1961posted 5 years ago

   This is not community news. It belongs in the topical forums.

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      Jean Bakulaposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      Dr. Mark
      I did have the post in the Entertainment and Media forum, but it wasn't being read. I so seldom write about people, I have little experience in those type forums after being here for eight years. I think Bourdain was too beloved to leave his passing not discussed.The administration is free to move the post.
      
      Janis, I think you would write a lovely hub, especially with your expertise in mental health. What he did felt premeditated to me. The book, and his others, are great reads, but Kitchen Confidential is a must.
      
      Brandon,
      I agree with all your thoughts on the topic of suicide.

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         jansharesposted 5 years agoin reply to this

         FYI, Jean, thanks for the encouragement. I did write an article about suicide. I plan to publish it this weekend. Let me know your thoughts. The final season of Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown starts soon. I'm looking forward to it.

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            lobobrandonposted 5 years agoin reply to this

            Just realized that I'm not following you, followed you now and I'm looking forward to reading this one.

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               jansharesposted 5 years agoin reply to this

               Thanks, lobobrandon, got you right back!

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                  lobobrandonposted 5 years agoin reply to this

                  Hehe

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   jansharesposted 5 years ago

   Thanks for posting this, Jean. I was shocked yesterday morning and even became teary with the news. I really loved his show on Sunday nights. You've said it all beautifully. I, too, noticed how he looked last season and wondered if something was wrong. He looked tired, gaunt, and appeared to have lost weight. It does make one suspect that this suicide was health-related or some other issue he could no longer bear. I found him so attractive; his brilliance, his passion for people and food, his tall physique, and his command of language. So poetic he was. (I need to get that book.) I'm so sad, feeling for his daughter, girlfriend, colleagues and close friends in the restaurant industry and at CNN. Yesterday I felt all who loved him, including fans all over the world were experiencing a collective grief. Ugh! Terrible loss.
   
   As a mental health professional, the one thing I will say about my knowledge of suicide having worked with countless depressed people and loved ones over the years, is that suicide is a choice . . . not the best or seemingly rational one, but a choice made sometimes with strategic planning and rationalizations, given the alternatives the person weighs. People very rarely commit suicide impulsively. It is awful because it goes against our religious, spiritual, and moral beliefs about ending our own lives. But never the less, some people see it as a willful choice. I suppose Anthony Bourdain did. He had his reasons, coupled with pain and suffering.
   
   I could go on and on but I think I need to write a hub article about this. I'm so sad.

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   Aime Fposted 5 years ago

   Just goes to show that depression and mental illness can do a really great job of hiding. You can look at someone and think “wow they have such a great life/so much going for them” or “that person seems like they’re having the best time” but inside there is so much else going on. Really sad that he and Kate Spade’s suicides were so close and so widely felt as well, I imagine it’s quite triggering for some people.

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      gmwilliamsposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      +1,000,000,000,000,000!

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   threekeysposted 5 years ago

   Just heard  that no narcotics or alcohol was found in Anthony Bourdain's system.
   There is a present article at Hubpages which expkores another reasoning for Anthony Bourdain's unexpected passing. Maybe, maybe not?
   I think just leave him to be, now.

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   Kathryn L Hillposted 5 years ago

   Drugs and calmness do not go hand in hand.
   
   Maybe "success" and calmness do not go hand in hand either. Its one reason to stay out of the "limelight".
   
   True success is being calm and content.
   What (truly) leads us there?
   
   Its a good question, if you ask me.

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      Jean Bakulaposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      Kathryn,
      That is a good question. It must be hard to be in that limelight, and then return to a lonely hotel room, away from all your friends and loved ones. I was glad to hear he didn't go back to using heroin, although having read all his books (I always go back and do that when I like an author), I knew he would never go back. He was on methadone treatment for 9 yrs. to kick the habit, and could never had kept up that grueling schedule, or eat so much, if he was using.
      
      Calm and content works for me. Do you meditate? That helps towards getting there.

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