NEW YORK CITY, NY - The culinary community and beyond are mourning the loss of Anthony Bourdain, celebrated chef, author, and television personality of shows like Parts Unknown, The Layover, and Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, who was found dead this morning, June 8. He was 61 years old.

"It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain," CNN said in a statement today. "His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food, and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller. His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family at this incredibly difficult time."

He has been celebrated as “the original rock star chef” that broke the mold for many, as well as having opened up a world of food and culture to millions through his touring reality TV shows and documentaries. His 2001 memoir Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly was translated into 15 languages, according to the Washington Post, and transformed him into a household name and public figure.

The older of two sons, Bourdain was born in New York City on June 25, 1956, and grew up in Leonia, NJ. His father was a Columbia Records executive, and his mother was an editor at the New York Times.

According to the Post, his first memory of a life-altering meal was a summer trip to France, his father’s birthplace, where he was startled to find more than hamburgers and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on the menu.

He grew to specialize in French cuisine with an overall eclectic style, having graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1978 and working in some of New York's finest restaurants.

Anthony Bourdain also actively represented issues in the food industry and beyond, having introduced the documentary Wasted! The Story of Food Waste last year and writing a number of best-selling pieces exposing abusive behavior in professional, even elite, kitchens.

He is survived by a daughter, loved ones, and many he left inspired.

AndNowUKnow gives our deepest condolences to all affected by this loss. His voice will be missed.