Anthony Bourdain‘s mother is opening up about how she learned of the celebrity chef’s death fromapparent suicideon Friday.
In aphone interview withToday, Gladys Bourdain revealed that she last spoke to her son, who she described as “feisty and very talented,” on Mother’s Day.
“There was never any sign something was wrong,” she said.
Gladys also shared that she learned of the tragic death from her younger son, Christopher.
She hoped Anthony would be remembered as “a lover of people of all kinds” who didn’t hide his true self.
“He didn’t disguise anything,” she said. “He was who he was, and it was out there for everyone to see.”
Speaking with theNew York Timesjust hours after news of his death, Gladys said shehad no indication that her child might have been thinking of suicide.
“He is absolutely the last person in the world I would have ever dreamed would do something like this,” she told the newspaper.
On Friday, longtime friend and renowned chefEric Ripertfound theAnthony Bourdain: Parts Unknownhost unresponsive in his hotel room in France. Both were filming an upcoming episode of the CNN show.
Gladys spoke to Ripert following her son’s sudden death and Ripert told her, “Tony had been in a dark mood these past couple of days.”
Gladys also shared she had “no idea why” her son might have decided to kill himself.
“He had everything. Success beyond his wildest dreams. Money beyond his wildest dreams,” she told theTimes.
Neilson Barnard/Getty
Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert
Ripert was in France with Anthony to film an upcoming episode of the award-winning showAnthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.
RELATED VIDEO: Anthony Bourdain, Celebrated American Chef, Dead at 61 from Apparent Suicide
“Anthony was a dear friend,” Ripertsaid in a statement to PEOPLE. “He was an exceptional human being, so inspiring and generous. One of the great storytellers of our time who connected with so many. I wish him peace. My love and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones.”
Slaven Vlasic/Getty
Speaking with PEOPLE, French prosecutor Christian de Rocquigny previously said there wasno evidence of violencein Bourdain’s death.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “help” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go tosuicidepreventionlifeline.org.
source: people.com
