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"I love the sheer weirdness of the kitchen life: the dreamers, the crackpots, the refugees, and the sociopaths with whom I continue to work; the ever-present smells of roasting bones, searing fish, and simmering liquids; the noise and clatter, the hiss and spray, the flames, the smoke, and the steam," Anthony Bourdain, who died Friday at the age of 61, wrote in his career-launching 1999 New Yorker piece "Don't Eat Before Reading This."
Bourdain carried that philosophy with him through every resulting hit book and revelatory docuseries, including his long-running CNN staple Parts Unknown. His repeatedly proven gift for the written word ultimately landed him the Food Writer of the Year distinction in 2001, the Food Book of the Year honor in 2002, a Peabody, and multiple Emmys. He died by suicide while working on a new Parts Unknown episode in France.
Touting his global impact as a "unique storyteller," CNN remembered Bourdain in a statement Friday morning as someone whose talents had been an enduring source of inspiration for years. "His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much," a network rep said.
"He taught us about food, but more importantly, about its ability to bring us together," President Barack Obama, who appeared on Parts Unknown back in 2016.
News of Bourdain's death was also met with memories of his lasting legacy on Twitter and Instagram Friday from Jamie Oliver, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Pete Souza, and more. Below, see their tributes, as well as words of remembrance from culinary figures including Gordon Ramsay and Mission Chinese Food co-founder Danny Bowien.
Rest in power, Anthony.