Anthony Bourdain: TV host dies at 61

The cause of the CNN host's death was suicide, the network said

Television personality Anthony Bourdain speaks about the show 'Parts Unknown' after the show won a Peabody Award in New York in 2014. Lucas Jackson/ Reuters

TV host and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain has died at the age of 61, CNN said on Friday.

The network said that Mr Bourdain, who presented CNN's food-and-travel-focused Parts Unknown television series, had committed suicide.

He was found dead in a hotel room in Alsace, France where he had been filming for his television programme.

"It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain," CNN said.

"His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller. His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family at this incredibly difficult time."

Mr Bourdain's Parts Unknown show took him to all corners of the globe, including the Middle East, where he visited Lebanon and Iran.

The American host, who was born in New York City in 1956, had also filmed in Dubai for the Travel Channel's Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.

Mr Bourdain spoke to The National in 2014 about the potential of the Emirate to be a global gastronomical hub.

“The massive workforce in Dubai is bringing with it interesting food and geographically there are a lot of influences," he said. "Dubai’s potential to me is much like New York’s. Its people are an asset, not a liability.”

Friends and colleagues of Mr Bourdain as well as other stars of the food world paid tribute to him on Twitter on Friday.

CNN's Chief International Correspondent Christiane Amanpour described him as a "giant talent", while NBC anchor Megyn Kelly urged those considering suicide to seek help.

The TV star's death comes three days after fashion designer Kate Spade died in apparent suicide in New York. Ms Spade is believed to have suffered from depression and anxiety for many years.

Mr Bourdain had been married and divorced twice and is survived by one daughter.

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