The Tragedy of Andrew Zimmern Just Gets Sadder and Sadder

Andrew Zimmern may have trotted the globe in his quest to try the world's most exotic foods — but his personal life wasn't always so glamorous. From being unhoused to struggling with his mental health, the celebrity chef has endured plenty of hardships.

#Foods #Celeb #Chef

Mental health struggles | 0:00
Mother's medical tragedy | 1:08
Drug and alcohol addiction | 1:49
Complicated relationship with dad | 2:54
Unhoused for a year | 3:44
Suicide attempt | 5:07
Starting over | 6:00
Show canceled over insensitive remarks | 6:56
Restaurant closed | 8:05
Saw family as victims | 8:54
Divorce | 9:52

Voiceover by: Krystle Futrell

[MashedFood]

Would you want to see Zimmern become the host of a new show?

[Elephant-wili]

I miss the days when Adam Richman, Andrew Zimmern, & especially Anthony Bourdain all had programs on the Travel Channel. What a culinary lineup of talent that was.

[itgirl_nyc]

I loved his show. I’m Chinese and don’t think his comment was controversial. He wasn’t talking about Chinese people but un-authentic chinese food/restaurants. Given his background and childhood, he is a hero for overcoming everything.

[umbrellacorp.]

Bizarre foods with Andrew Zimmern was a great TV Show. I grew up watching that show when I was a kid and I still love watching those old episodes. Andrew and Alton Brown got me interested in foods and cooking.

[GoVoteDemocracy]

Canceling his show was a stupid move! Bring him back.

[KaiWenFranklin]

Man I miss Andrew! He was so AWESOME! Please show this man some grace. We all deserve grace. God Bless Andrew and his family. You have a friend here in Tallahassee Florida forever!

[shawmmathews]

What's wrong with that statement??? He didn't say Chinese owned, he was saying Chinese style that aren't authentic or are poorly done.

[JamesChenisKing]

As a chinese person that grew up in one of these BS Chinese restaurants, the only thing Zimmerman was wrong about was that it’s not only found in the mid-west. They’re all over the country in mostly middle class suburban towns. Also i do not find that offensive, in fact i think it’s a good thing that westerners are developing a pallet for real chinese food. Because to be honest, we never ate what was on the menu, the chef always cooked up something from home for dinner at night.

[davidshettlesworth]

This is such a sad story to hear. The Andrew Zimmern's show on the food channel was always uplifting. I feel tremendous compassion for this fellow human being.

[terrorbulyfe]

I never thought his statement was against Asian ran businesses, it was aimed at the like of a “Panda Express” and other places like that.

[tsubakichan]

As a Chinese American, I loved Bizarre Foods and never knew about this "controversy". I can understand restaurant owners feeling a type of way about his comments ... but let's be honest. If you have no ties, you can understand that Chinese-American food isn't really Chinese food nor is it really high brow food. That being said, I can understand that many Chinese restaurants have to make money and appeal to their audiences - so I get why there was a backlash, despite nothing wrong with what he said. It's just an unfortunate series of events with no real winners ☹

[don]

I loved watching Andrew Zimmern on the Travel Channel when they still showed real shows.

[playamaine]

Imagine being a drug addict that can study cooking abroad!? Most addicts i know don't leave the neighborhood

[terrancecoard]

I wish him luck and hope he never relapse. Loved his show!

[MrDjslav]

My family can not be the only one where the whole family watched every episode of Bizarre foods. I actually researched an address and sent him a letter once to thank him for an episode that meant a lot to us. He always seamed to be gracious, and genuine. You could tell he had faced challenges, which only made him feel like a real person. I know he was a big influence on my son, not to mention myself. Sorry to hear about his business failure, but I for one do not count this guy out. Just needs the right spot. We'll be back! Thanks again Andrew!!

[nfiRe]

wow never knew he went through so much. always seemed stable and sure of himself during the prime of his show

[minnybiker]

Andrew is human, just like the rest of us. He's had struggles and tried to overcome them. Stay strong, Andrew! Minnesota is proud to have you as a resident and neighbor.

[alphahoss]

May God continue to protect and bless him, and many others who are going through similar situations.

[Drunkliberty]

Good on him and his consistent journey of recovery

[canuck]

I have admired this man for many years. Being a huge fan and watching all of his tv shows, I often wondered why he never sipped any wine or drink alcohol on the shows. Now I know. And I especially didn't know about his drug use. Regardless of what I have learned from this video, I haven't changed my views on the man whatsoever...in fact I admire him even more.