In June 2018, celebrated chef and TV icon Anthony Bourdain tragically ended his own life in France, a new book reveals crucial insights including his final text.
Daily Mail reported that the sudden demise of Anthony Bourdain and his last days are explored in Laurie Woolever's memoir, "Care and Feeding: A Memoir."
Anthony Bourdain, known for his vibrant culinary career and impactful television presence, took his life in the serene Le Chambard hotel in Kaysersberg, France. At 61, Bourdain was wrestling with personal issues, despite his public persona of an adventurous and robust storyteller.
His close relationship with Laurie Woolever, his assistant, provides the backbone of her book "Care and Feeding: A Memoir." Through her narrative, she details her visceral last interactions with Bourdain, who seemed to have more plans laid out for his future.
Their last conversation occurred just the day before his suicide. Woolever, worried, had sent Bourdain a message checking on his wellbeing, prompting Bourdain to respond, "I’ll live, and we’ll survive."
The preparations Anthony made for his return to New York included a lunch, a haircut, a doctor's appointment, and a session with his jiu-jitsu trainer. This indicates his intention to return to normalcy.
However, turmoil affected other aspects of his life, particularly his relationship with Asia Argento. Controversy surrounded Argento after photos with a French journalist surfaced, intensifying Bourdain’s distress during a period already overshadowed by intense media scrutiny.
Argento mourned Bourdain's death deeply, calling him her "love, my rock, my protector." She openly expressed her grief and the profound impact he had on her life, even as rumors and accusations swirled about her role in his emotional state before his death.
Bourdain profoundly influenced the culinary world, bringing global cultures into viewers' living rooms with authenticity and respect through his journeys. After his passing, recognitions poured in, with former President Barack Obama recalling how Bourdain’s unique ability to connect people through food made the unknown feel less intimidating.
Chef Jamie Oliver echoed this sentiment, lamenting on Instagram about the irreplaceable gap Bourdain left in the culinary world. The tributes painted a picture of a man who was much loved and respected across the globe, transcending his roles as a chef and presenter.
Additionally, Rose McGowan, a friend and supporter of the #MeToo movement which Bourdain endorsed, expressed anger and sorrow, highlighting the universal sense of loss felt by his fans and calling attention to mental health awareness.
Bourdain transformed from a chef at Brasserie Les Halles in New York into a global culinary icon. He launched his blunt narratives and explorations with a groundbreaking essay in The New Yorker, which eventually led to the bestselling book Kitchen Confidential.
His subsequent television career, including shows like "Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown" on CNN, showcased his distinctive narrative style—combining culinary exploration with deep social commentary. Bourdain was never one to shy away from expressing his opinions, even critiquing political figures like then-President Donald Trump and supporting movements like #MeToo.
Nevertheless, Bourdain faced personal demons, acknowledging that the birth of his daughter Ariane drastically changed his outlook on life and steered him away from self-destructive behaviors. This stark dichotomy between his public exuberance and personal battles forms a central theme of Woolever's memoir.
Anthony Bourdain left behind not only a legacy defined by food and stories but also a community grappling with the complexities behind his effervescent screen presence and the inner turmoil depicted in his last texts.
"Care and Feeding: A Memoir" by Laurie Woolever is set to be released on March 11, offering readers a deeper insight into the life and final days of one of the most influential figures in modern culinary history.
The memoir is expected to resonate with those who admired Bourdain's work and empathize with his struggles, providing a fuller picture of the man who had, until now, been admired largely from afar.
