Anthony Michael Bourdain, often known as Tony, was a renowned chef, award-winning journalist, and television personality born on June 25, 1956, in New York City. He grew up in Leonia, New Jersey, where he developed an early interest in food and cooking. Bourdain's mother, Gladys Bourdain, was a staff editor for The New York Times, and his father, Pierre Bourdain, worked as an executive for Columbia Records. As a child, he was a Boy Scout, which may have contributed to his future spirit of exploration and adventure.
Bourdain's literary career began with the novels Bone in the Throat and Gone Bamboo, but he gained widespread recognition with the publication of Kitchen Confidential, a bestseller that exposed the inner workings of restaurant kitchens. He also wrote A Cook’s Tour, a collection of travel essays, and the novels Bone in the Throat and Gone Bamboo. His work has been featured in various prestigious publications such as The New York Times, The New Yorker, and Food Arts magazine.
In addition to his writing, Bourdain was the host of the popular television show Parts Unknown, which aired on CNN. This Emmy and Peabody Award-winning series showcased Bourdain's unique blend of culinary expertise, travel, and social commentary. He also hosted Emmy award-winning No Reservations and The Layover on Travel Channel, and The Taste on ABC. In 2013, Bourdain launched his own publishing line with Ecco, Anthony Bourdain Books, an imprint of HarperCollins. His literary contributions also include graphic novels like Get Jiro! and Get Jiro!: Blood and Sushi, and a cookbook titled Appetites. Bourdain passed away on June 8, 2018, while filming an episode of Parts Unknown in France.