Anthony Bourdain's Assistant Reveals His Final Texts Before His Tragic Death

Laurie Woolever is thinking about her late friend Anthony Bourdain.

Approximately six years following the death of the renowned chef, Woolever – who had served as Bourdain’s personal assistant for almost a decade – will share insights on their friendship in her forthcoming memoir titled “Care and Feeding“. This work will also feature details about their last text conversation that transpired the evening before his tragic suicide in June 2018.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I recently came across an intriguing piece of information: In her book, the author, Woolever, shares what appears to be Anthony’s final message, which reads, “I’ll live, and we’ll survive.” This poignant statement is reported by People on February 28. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in challenging times, there’s always hope for perseverance and survival.

At that point, the author mentioned that paparazzi captured images of Asia Argento, Bourdain’s girlfriend at the time (who he had been dating for two years before his demise), sharing a kiss with French journalist Hugo Clément. Subsequently, she was approached by The National Enquirer tabloid to get Bourdain’s response regarding this incident.

In her book, as reported by People, she notes that when she inquired about the Enquirer to Tony, he advised, “Disregard it.” Furthermore, she mentioned that he also said, “Dismiss any comparable questions from other pubs. However, do inform me once the Enquirer article is published.

At that moment, the late chef was working on his CNN series, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, in France. According to Woolever, there was a noticeable tension on set following the release of the photos. “A producer from Parts Unknown named Helen had heard that things were apparently stressful on set in France,” she explained. “Everyone was walking a tightrope, trying to provide him with emotional support he seemed to require and give him space to handle his pain privately with some level of dignity.

The next day, Tony (as she calls him in her memoir) requested that Woolever arrange some significant activities for his upcoming trip back to New York from Bourdain. She sent him a text asking if he was alright, to which he replied with his ominous last message.

She implied that ‘we’ referred to him and Asia, as they were involved in a complex relationship. At 4:25 the next morning, my phone buzzed on the windowsill beside my bed, jolting me awake from a gentle slumber. It was Kim, Tony’s representative. Upon answering the call, she informed me, ‘Tony has committed suicide.’ (TopMob News has attempted to contact Argento for comment but have yet to receive a response.)

Regarding Argento, long after her passing, she denied accusations that her presumed infidelity contributed to Bourdain’s death. “They say I killed him,” she stated on DailyMailTV in September 2018. “I understand the world needs an explanation. I too would like to find one.

Additionally, Woolever reflected on that period, sharing with People during a February 28th interview, “It’s challenging to accept that he thought he would return to New York, but it didn’t happen.

As the author detailed her forthcoming memoir, set for release on March 11, she emphasized that it marked a formal goodbye to her position as Anthony’s assistant. However, she will always cherish the memories they created together.

She mentioned that the captivating and precious items belonging to the late icon had been sold at a charity auction, leaving behind ordinary items. However, she retained his laser printer, which she frequently uses and feels connected to him.

Keep reading to see more moments in Anthony’s career….

Anthony Bourdain was born on June 25, 1956. It was during his summer break from Vassar College that he began his culinary career by working as a dishwasher in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Afterward, he enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America and graduated in 1978.

Later in his career, Bourdain gained experience working at various eateries such as The Supper Club, the Rainbow Room, and Coco Pazzo Teatro. In the 90s, he also delved into writing and eventually published several books, with “Kitchen Confidential” being one of them.

In the early 2000s, Bourdain made his debut on television, specifically on Food Network’s show titled “A Cook’s Tour“. This image captures him standing with renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson and singer Lisa Loeb in the year 2004.

2005 marked the beginning of Anthony Bourdain’s appearance on the Travel Channel series titled “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations“. Interestingly, this was also the year he parted ways with his first wife, Nancy Putkoski, whom he had been with since high school. In this 2006 photograph, the renowned chef is spotted savoring a beer at Tintol restaurant in New York City.

Later on, the chef embarked on global journeys featured on CNN’s show titled “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown,” premiering in 2013.

2013 marked another significant year for Bourdain as he participated in the show “The Taste.” Here he is alongside his fellow judges, Marcus Samuelsson, Nigella Lawson, and Ludo Lefebvre.

In 2013, the series “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” was honored with a Peabody Award for broadening our taste buds and perspectives simultaneously.

Throughout his professional journey, Anthony Bourdain’s television shows garnered multiple Emmy nominations. This particular image captures him at the 2015 Creative Arts Emmy Awards, where his show triumphed in the Outstanding Information Series or Special category. In the year 2016, his marriage with Ottavia Busia reached its conclusion.

Bourdain is survived by his daughter, Ariane, as well as by his girlfriend Asia Argento.

2025-03-01 01:47

Anthony Bourdain’s Assistant Reveals His Final Texts Before His Tragic Death

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