Anderson Cooper’s tribute to his friend Anthony Bourdain

In death, as in life, Anthony Bourdain brought us closer together.

On his award-winning series, "Parts Unknown," Bourdain brought the world home to CNN viewers. Through the simple act of sharing meals, he showcased both the extraordinary diversity of cultures and cuisines, yet how much we all have in common.

Tragically, he proved this again on Friday. Bourdain's death shook television viewers around the world. The most common sentiment: "I feel like I've lost a friend."

[biganthar]

I don't know one celebrity that was so respectful to so many different cultures. The world, not just this country, lost a legend.

[mollieheil]

I feel like he was one of the only people on TV who tried to prove that we don't have to be afraid of one another.

[samanthahalfacre]

I never actually met him, but I feel I knew him. I've traveled the world with him within the walls of my living room. Ate supper with him nearly every night. My 6 yr. Old daughter loves him too. I have still not had the heart to tell her that he passed away. Not only because I know she will be heart broken, but also we are healing from one of my best friends also passing this year. 2018 was a bad year for us. But mainly so she can still enjoy him, the way I used to. Now I watch him and it deeply saddens me to know that he is no longer with us. I never met you, but I feel I knew you and you took me places and taught me things I would never be able to go and do on my own. I pray you are at peace now Anthony Bourdain. When I eat pork and drink I will think of you.

[xxshotxx]

Anthony was a philosopher. Through and through. He was able to take such a simple thing like food and expand it’s meaning past the ability to eat. It’s hard to accept his death, but it was beautiful to see how many adventures he was able to take. Anthony, you’re no longer exploring this world, you’re now exploring another. Rest easy bourdain. We love you.

[fredb]

Anthony Bourdain was inspirational.. He Inspired me to travel, and on my travels, I met my wife.

[TaylorsVersiom]

I found out as soon as I woke up and burst into tears and cried all day. My father committed suicide and I was the one to find him. Eventually I became a Chef before becoming a stay at home mom. Anthony and Sean Brock are my absolute favorite chefs. I tried to stop crying but couldn’t and went a head and make breakfast for my husband and I and cried while eating too. Cooking has always been my number 1 love. Anthony was an inspiration to many. So honest. So loving. Always willing to listen. Taking people all over the world to see new places they wouldn’t of seen or food they would of never heard of if not for his show. My heart breaks for his family and his daughter. May he forever be in peace now. You were so loved and will be missed by many. 😭😭😭

[summersanchez]

Love you Anthony Bourdain... you brought me places I will never get to go in person. My favorite show was when you sat with a family in Iran, that changes my understanding of the world. Thank you for all you gave us!!!!💗

[vernacohen]

Damn, still missing him so much as I watch this in 2020!

[ArabellaCharm]

It's sad, No Reservations got me through a terrible divorce and depression. He took me around the world and got my mind off of my troubles. RIP Anthony.

It's not so much about encouraging people to talk about depression, as it is about encouraging people to listen.

[nami-san]

I will never get over this. He once said “Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life—and travel—leaves marks on you.” And you, Tony, you left a huge mark and impact on my life. Thank you.

[wnose]

Today he would have been 5 years older. RIP Anthony Bourdain, never forgotten.

One of the finest Americans of this century.

[shabeenshareef]

Honestly I've never been more saddened by the news of a celebrity passing away. Truly a larger than life human being!! RIP AB

[cvmitchell]

This is truly devastating. This world has lost it's spark, it's raw, it's genuineness.

[TheGamerXL]

I never thought I could hurt so much from a death of someone I’ve never met before. But this truly hurts, watching ALL of Anthonys episodes, seeing this man share LIFE with strangers all over the world made me feel optimistic about humanity. This mans exterior was so tough that you would never think he can be hurt. A true Legend, a real man, a poet of life and love. You will be missed my dear friend RIP ❤️❤️❤️😔😢

[alexcurran]

I don't cry over celebrity deaths, but this one still hurts. One of the greatest story tellers of our times and someone that so many people can relate to. It's easy to see him as a friend even though I never had the chance to meet him. Still devistating to think of

[MyArtandTravels]

Rest In Peace Mr.Bourdain. You inspired me, a germaphobe to become a explorer. From a cubicle office life to finding myself in streets of India. Your humble beginnings is an inspiration as I can relate. You are so missed, but explorer in me will continue, thanks to you. 🙏

[Angel-twko]

Anthony, I never met you, but I will miss travelling places unknown with you, may God please have mercy on his soul. Rest easy

[MsTuliplady]

Ive had deep and lasting bipolar disorder for 25 years. The highs can be fun, but the lows are absolutely crushing. Ive contemplated suicide many many many times. The only thing that keeps me here is my profound belief in reincarnation and in knowing that death is not the end. But a door. And whatever you could not conquer in this life, you will repeat in the next. Your dark side is not something you slay. Its meant to give you a different understanding of existence. Darkness is real. Shake its hand, respect it, and know that the good that exists in you is greater. Its a test used to discover your best self. If you were always happy, you would never stretch. Until you get weary. Stretch. Understand. Empathise. Love. Rest in greatness Bourdain

[Bingusginghs]

When this man died I cried like a baby for days... Rest In Peace chef