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Anthony Bourdain

Anthony Bourdain was an American chef, author, and television personality known for his books and travel and food programs.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Anthony Bourdain was an American chef, author, and television personality known for his books and travel and food programs. He became widely known for exploring international cuisine and culture on television, especially through “No Reservations” and “Parts Unknown.” He died in 2018 at age 61 while filming in France.

Early life and career

Bourdain was born in New York City in 1956 and worked as a professional chef before becoming a writer and television host. He gained prominence after publishing his 2000 memoir “Kitchen Confidential,” which described restaurant life in a candid style and helped make him a public figure beyond the restaurant world.

Television career

He hosted several food and travel programs, including “A Cook's Tour,” “No Reservations,” “The Layover,” “The Taste,” and “Parts Unknown.” His shows often focused on food, culture, and politics, and his work shaped television coverage of global cuisine and culture.

Death

Bourdain died on June 8, 2018, in Kaysersberg Vignoble, France, while working on an episode of “Parts Unknown.” Authorities reported his death as suicide by hanging, and major news outlets confirmed the cause.

Personal life

Bourdain was married to Ottavia Bourdain from 2007 until their divorce in 2016. He had one daughter.

Key facts

  • Bourdain was born in New York City in 1956 and became known first as a chef and author.
  • His 2000 memoir “Kitchen Confidential” helped make him a public figure beyond the restaurant world.
  • He hosted travel-and-food television shows including “A Cook's Tour,” “No Reservations,” “The Layover,” “The Taste,” and “Parts Unknown.”
  • He died in France on June 8, 2018, while filming an episode of “Parts Unknown.”
  • Authorities reported his death as suicide by hanging.
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Canadian context

Bourdain's travel and food programs had a strong Canadian audience, and his work shaped television coverage of global cuisine and culture viewed in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

How did Anthony Bourdain die?
He died by suicide while in France filming “Parts Unknown.”
What was the cause of Anthony Bourdain's death?
Authorities and major news outlets reported the cause of death as suicide by hanging.
Who was Anthony Bourdain's wife?
His wife was Ottavia Bourdain, whom he married in 2007; they later divorced in 2016.
How old was Anthony Bourdain when he died?
He was 61 years old.
What shows did Anthony Bourdain host?
He hosted “A Cook's Tour,” “No Reservations,” “The Layover,” “The Taste,” and “Parts Unknown.”
What was Anthony Bourdain's net worth?
Reliable figures vary by source, and no single authoritative net-worth figure is established in the provided sources.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Bourdain
    Supports: Birth and death dates, age at death, cause of death, spouse, and hosting credits.
  2. The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/08/business/media/anthony-bourdain-dead.html
    Supports: Death at 61, suicide determination, and location in France while filming.
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-44414747
    Supports: Death at 61 and report of apparent suicide.
  4. NPR — https://www.npr.org/2018/06/08/618351592/anthony-bourdain-chef-author-and-tv-host-dies-at-61
    Supports: Death at 61, filming “Parts Unknown,” and cause of death reported as suicide.
  5. The Independent — https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/anthony-bourdain-dead-toxicology-report-cause-of-death-funeral-memorial-a8412446.html
    Supports: Toxicology report, suicide by hanging, and reference to ex-wife Ottavia Bourdain.