Bourdain's suicide was a crushing blow to many who knew him. The cultural icon, all-time inspirational figure, and the culinary wizard was a source of unity for many.
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After his passing, many paid their tributes, including popular figures like Barack Obama.
The former US president recalled how much Bourdain taught about food while also bringing people together and making them bolder while facing the unknown.
Anthony will be missed.
Today, we look at a letter shared by a friend and colleague of Bourdain. It shows the man's incredible wit, humanity, and big heart.
Bourdain worked with Josh Homme (the musical lead in Queens of the Stone Age) on "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations." The musical frontman made the theme song for the show, and he also made an appearance in the introduction scene.
In the unforgettable scene, the two legends pay tribute to a moment in the movie "Animal House". In the scene, a guitar is smashed into pieces.
Bourdain steals Homme's acoustic guitar and ruins it, then returns what remains of it and says "sorry."
Bourdain's Gets Into Trouble With A Little Girl
The scene had an unexpected impact on Homme's daughter, Camille. She was only a few years old when the scene aired.
However, she saw a promo for the show and did not like what Daddy's friend had done to him on the show. She did not appreciate that Bourdain had ruined her father's guitar.
In her naivety, she thought the whole thing was real and it truly upset her.
The Apology Letter
When Bourdain learned about it, he sat down to write an apology letter to the girl to make her feel better.
In the letter, Bourdain explained that it was not real. He told the girl that he and Hommes were "just playing around." In the letter, he explained further:
"In real life, Daddy would have been very angry were I to do such a thing - and as he is a large man, I strongly suspect I would not still be here to write this letter."
"I like your Daddy very much. We are friends."
From there, he goes on to explain how the two usually stand up for each other. He tells the girl of an "obnoxious superfan" who gets up in Daddy's face and Daddy dealt with it quickly.
However, Bourdain told Hommes that they should have each other's backs.
It is this letter that Homme shared with the world by posting it onto the Queens of the Stone Age's account and accompanied it with a message saying how much he missed Bourdain.
Here it is:
"Tony, I miss you bad."
"Once, Camille was so mad at you. She was defending me. & So were you. Defending me. As we had done & would do many times over the years for each other. & you, with great care, such empathy, such sweetness... you apologized to a little girl who was defending her daddy."
"Ariane, this was your father. Humbly yours, Joshua."
Truly, Bourdain was special.
He was never beyond reach for anyone, not even to an innocent young girl. And yet, he stood as a shining light to many.
The outpouring of love he continues to receive from those who knew him is clear proof of this fact.
