Anthony Bourdain of CNN's Parts Unknown, dead at 61

[Anomalocaris]

He was on a shoot in France when he hung himself in his hotel room.

I didn't think French food was THAT bad.

He regard himself as a French chef. Perhaps France dispelled him of that notion.

[Seraphina]

I'm glad to see news outlets are listing resources with news stories like this for people who are feeling suicidal.
And that info is worth repeating here:
In the US if you're having thoughts of suicide, please call for help!
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800)273-8255.

-Teresa

[Crossless2.0]

I was sorry to hear this news today. I have enjoyed his programs for years. Bourdain was on that short list of people with whom I (a confirmed homebody) would have liked to travel.

R.I.P.

[LadyForCamus]

So, so sad. I always thought he must have such a full life.

[Silver]

No idea who he was until I opened this thread.

[Jackalope]

So, so sad.  I always thought he must have such a full life.

He was quite frank about his inner demons, but like Robin Williams, he was apparently able to hide it behind a well-rehearsed smile.

[Wyrd of Gawd]

This seems weird. Wonder if there will be an autopsy.

It's not weird because he suffered from depression according to what I've heard on CNN. The only reason I could think of for an autopsy would be to find out if there were drugs in his system outside of what he might have been subscribed, or in excess of what he was subscribed.

The guy was a heroin addict.  Like most people who want fame and fortune he couldn't handle it once he got it.  When he first got on tv I watched some of his shows but soon got tired of him.  I would flip the channel as soon as they showed one of his commercials.

[The Industrial Atheist]

I used to watch his show with my aunt from time to time. I found it pretty interesting. It's a sad shame, really.

[KevinM1]

It's not weird because he suffered from depression according to what I've heard on CNN. The only reason I could think of for an autopsy would be to find out if there were drugs in his system outside of what he might have been subscribed, or in excess of what he was subscribed.

The guy was a heroin addict.  Like most people who want fame and fortune he couldn't handle it once he got it.  When he first got on tv I watched some of his shows but soon got tired of him.  I would flip the channel as soon as they showed one of his commercials.

Many people who suffer from mental illnesses essentially self-medicate via alcohol or drugs. The presence of drugs in a person's system doesn't automatically make them someone we shouldn't empathize with. It doesn't automatically impugn their character.

Depression is a chronic illness, as surely as diabetes, lupus, fibromyalgia, or any other kind. The only difference is that it affects the brain rather than the pancreas, immune system, or some other organ/system.

And because it's an illness, one's fame or wealth isn't a shield from it. Thinking that is like thinking "Why did Steve Jobs get and die from cancer? He was a famous billionaire who could afford the best chefs, personal trainers, and, afterwards, healthcare."

[Shell B]

I'm so shocked.
I read Kitchen Confidential twice as an apprentice.
This guy was a hero of mine.

Me too, buddy.