#219 Tony Bourdain The Definitive Biography

In "Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography," Laurie Woolever chronicles the multifaceted life of Anthony Bourdain through interviews with 91 individuals who knew him intimately. Bourdain's former assistant and co-author, Woolever, reveals the complexity of his character—from his rebellious youth and addiction struggles to his rise as a chef, author, and television icon. Despite his outward success, Bourdain grappled with vulnerabilities and the weight of fame, ultimately leading to his tragic suicide. His story, a blend of brilliance and inner turmoil, is a testament to the unpredictable consequences of achieving one's dreams and the profound impact he left on those around him.

• Tony Bourdain had a lifelong love of reading, starting before kindergarten.
• His first heroes were writers, influencing his desire to become one himself.
• Despite his later career as a chef, Tony always harbored a deep desire to be a writer.

"Tony always had a fabulous vocabulary, and he read early. I absolutely always saw a talent in him for writing."

This quote by Tony's mother, Gladys, highlights Tony's early inclination towards reading and writing, which would shape his future ambitions.

• Tony Bourdain was known for his intelligence and discipline but also struggled with drug addiction for many years.
• He was a heroin addict and used various hard drugs, which impacted his personal and professional life.
• Tony's relationship with his mother was troubled, and his brother Chris Bourdain speaks to this strain.

"Even when he was a young teenager, I did wonder, why does Tony always seem to be in trouble?"

This quote from Tony's brother Chris reflects on Tony's difficult teenage years and his tendency to get into trouble, hinting at his future struggles with substance abuse.

• Tony Bourdain aspired to be a writer from an early age, with a particular interest in the lives of authors.
• He worked as a dishwasher, which led him to pursue a career in the culinary world.
• Tony's experience in the kitchen would later provide the material for his writing.

"Tony always wanted to be a writer. I was surprised how serious he was about cooking."

Nancy Bourdain, Tony's first wife, speaks to his early aspirations to be a writer and his unexpected commitment to cooking, which would become a significant part of his life and career.

• Tony Bourdain had ideas for television shows and books long before he achieved fame.
• His father's French heritage influenced Tony's respect for chefs and cuisine.
• Tony's work ethic and discipline, despite his addiction, were notable among his peers.

"Tony came back from a trip from France in the winter of 1979, and we were sitting around, and Tony goes, you won't fucking believe it over there. Chefs are like athletes. They're like rock stars."

This quote illustrates Tony's early recognition of the celebrity status of chefs in France, which foreshadowed his own future fame in the culinary world and on television.

• Tony Bourdain's strong will and discipline helped him overcome heroin addiction without a formal program.
• His addictions shifted from substances to his work, showing an obsessive and impulsive nature.
• Tony's impulsiveness was a defining trait, which some believe played a role in his eventual suicide.

"I know a lot of ex heroin addicts, and he has an obsessive compulsive personality, just like Bourdain did."

David Cho, an artist and friend of Tony, reflects on Tony's strong personality and how it helped him overcome his addiction, which was a rare feat.

• Despite insecurities, Tony Bourdain's writing had a distinct voice from the start.
• His desire for a different life and his experiences as a chef fueled his writing ambitions.
• Tony's early writing attempts show his determination to become a published author.

"He knew not where he was going. He couldn't possibly, but he was willing to figure it out."

Joel Rose, a friend and collaborator, emphasizes Tony's willingness to navigate the unknown in pursuit of his writing career, showcasing his resilience and ambition.

• Drug addiction affects not only the individual but also their relationships with friends and family.
• Friends may distance themselves to avoid the pain of watching someone self-destruct.
• Anthony Bourdain, referred to as Tony, showed tough love to friends struggling with addiction but also offered support during their recovery.
• Tony's dedication to his friends was evident when he encouraged them to write and read books during tough times.
• Financial worries and dreams of a different life were persistent themes in Tony's life.

"What happens is, it's too fucking painful to watch us kill ourselves. And that's exactly what a drug addiction does."

This quote highlights the destructive nature of drug addiction and its impact on relationships, as friends find it difficult to witness the self-destruction.

"I remember with great clarity when Tony just threw his hands up in the air and said, I can't take you anymore."

Tony reached a point where he had to distance himself from a friend's addiction, a common experience for those close to someone struggling with substance abuse.

"He was encouraging me to write, to read books. It was a time in my life when I had run out of friends, and he and Nancy were the only ones who would take my call."

Despite the challenges in his own life, Tony provided support to his friends, showing his caring nature and belief in the power of self-improvement through creative outlets.

• Anthony Bourdain transitioned from a life of drug addiction to a disciplined work ethic.
• He channeled the energy he once put into acquiring drugs into productive activities like writing and work.
• Bourdain's shift in focus resulted in the publication of his novel "Gone Bamboo" and later the influential "Kitchen Confidential."
• His ability to reinvent himself at the age of 40 serves as an inspiration to those who feel it's too late to change their lives.

"He became so serious and so driven and focused, and he's doing this when he's 40 years old."

This quote illustrates Bourdain's remarkable ability to reinvent himself later in life, proving that it's never too late to change one's path and achieve success.

"Such was my lust to see my name in print."

Bourdain's intense desire for success in writing demonstrates his passion and the driving force behind his career shift from chef to author.

• "Kitchen Confidential" was a turning point in Bourdain's career, garnering widespread attention and leading to opportunities in television.
• The book's success was unexpected, and Bourdain initially believed it would be a short-lived fame.
• His metaphor of having "stolen a car" reflects his disbelief and anxiety about his newfound success.
• Bourdain's struggle with financial instability and personal demons before the book's success is candidly discussed.

"The book is a New York Times bestseller."

The announcement of the book's success is a pivotal moment for Bourdain, signifying his transition from a struggling chef to a bestselling author.

"I feel like I've stolen a car, a really nice car. And I keep looking in the rear view mirror for flashing lights."

Bourdain's metaphor conveys his imposter syndrome and fear that his success might be fleeting or undeserved.

• Bourdain acknowledges his self-destructive tendencies and the importance of avoiding them to lead a productive life.
• He uses the analogy of a person within him who desires a life of laziness and indulgence, which he actively works to outwit.
• Bourdain's personal growth is further exemplified by his approach to his career and life choices.

"My whole life is a series of stratagems to avoid and outwit that guy."

This quote reflects Bourdain's self-awareness and his constant efforts to overcome his less productive impulses in pursuit of a meaningful life.

• Bourdain's addictive personality shifted from drugs to work, and later to jujitsu and intense relationships.
• He recognized the opportunity presented by the success of "Kitchen Confidential" and was determined to seize it.
• Bourdain's fear of losing everything drove him to work relentlessly and avoid slowing down.

"The brass ring comes around only once and I'm going to grab it with both hands."

This quote encapsulates Bourdain's determination to take full advantage of the opportunities that arose from his success, recognizing that such chances are rare.

• Eric Ripert, a Michelin-starred chef, became one of Bourdain's closest friends after being fascinated by "Kitchen Confidential."
• Despite their different backgrounds and culinary approaches, the two formed a deep bond.
• Ripert's refusal to discuss Bourdain's death and his focus on the positive memories highlights the depth of their friendship.

"I was fascinated by kitchen confidential. I read it very quickly because I was totally absorbed by the book."

Ripert's admiration for Bourdain's work led to their friendship, emphasizing the impact Bourdain's writing had on his peers.

• Bourdain's story underscores the importance of relationships and the memories created with loved ones.
• The book and documentary "Roadrunner" reveal the love and admiration people had for Bourdain, despite his inability to see it himself.
• Bourdain's friends and family express profound grief and loss, demonstrating the impact he had on their lives.

"Loneliness kills man."

Bourdain's candid reflection on loneliness and its lethal potential reveals his inner struggles, even amid success and fame.

• Bourdain understood the necessity of selling and promoting his work to maintain success.
• His relentless promotion of "Kitchen Confidential" and his brand was instrumental in his continued fame.
• Bourdain's approach to self-promotion is likened to a mantra of hard work and visibility.

"Stay public. You got to promote, promote, promote, or all of this dies. You've just got to be out there all the time."

This advice, which Bourdain took to heart, highlights the importance of visibility and self-promotion in sustaining success.

• Bourdain's career was marked by adaptability and a willingness to embrace new opportunities without rigid planning.
• His approach to television and travel was spontaneous, allowing him to respond to opportunities as they arose.
• This flexibility and openness to new experiences were key factors in his successful transition from chef to television personality.

"We will just see what happens. We will wing it."

Bourdain's philosophy of being open to change and not over-planning allowed him to pivot and explore new directions in his career.

• Bourdain's relationship with his mother was complex and sometimes strained due to her meddling nature.
• Despite his global success, his mother's interference, such as contacting his publishers over errors, was a source of frustration for Bourdain.
• The dynamic between Bourdain and his mother reflects the challenges of familial relationships in the face of personal and professional growth.

"Lady, just stay the hell out of it."

This quote reflects the tension between Bourdain and his mother, illustrating the difficulty he had in managing her involvement in his career.

• Cook's Tour was the first TV show Tony created and aired on the Food Channel.
• It had moderate viewership and was expensive, leading management to pressure for its cancellation.
• After leaving the Food Network, Tony was open to new opportunities and began pitching No Reservations.
• It took a year from conceiving No Reservations to actually selling it.
• Tony struggled with his identity as a TV personality, given his previous cynicism towards such figures.
• Filming the No Reservations pilot in Paris, Tony and his brother Chris had a significant argument, reflecting Tony's existential crisis and insecurities.

"Once we said our goodbyes to Food Network in classic Tony Forum, he said, when you figure something out, let me know because I'll be there."

This quote shows Tony's willingness to move on and explore new ventures after the end of Cook's Tour.

"It took a long time to sell it. It was a solid twelve months in between the time where they have this idea to actually sell no reservations."

The difficulty in selling No Reservations highlights the challenges Tony faced in transitioning to a new show and the perseverance required to succeed.

• Tony's show No Reservations featured a mature warning on the Travel Channel, a first for the network.
• He insisted on authenticity and control over the show's content, refusing to be a "fake talking head."
• Tony's relationship with the Travel Channel's president, Pat, was based on mutual respect for his judgment but with the understanding that Pat reserved the right to make changes.
• He directed his team to ignore network suggestions and focus on creating the show he envisioned.
• Tony's approach emphasized the importance of the viewer over the network, similar to prioritizing product over profit.

"Your judgment on all other issues with the show seems to have been okay. So I'm going to go with you on this, but you need to understand that I reserved the right to change it."

Pat's willingness to trust Tony's judgment shows the respect he had for Tony's vision and expertise.

"Tony proceeded to tell everyone to ignore the network. He said, completely ignore everything they're saying about music, about story, about shots. Let me deal with it all."

Tony's directive to his team demonstrates his commitment to his creative vision and his desire to maintain the show's authenticity.

• Tony experienced a shift in attitude towards life after meeting his second wife, Ottavia, which tempered his cynicism.
• His rise to fame led to a distancing from old friends and a closer connection with others in the culinary and entertainment industries.
• Tony's past as a former junkie contributed to his discipline and resourcefulness in his later life.
• Despite his social awkwardness and anxiety, Tony took his work seriously, which resonated with his audience.
• He believed in taking risks and living life to the fullest, often comparing himself to other historical figures who lived multiple lifetimes in a short span.

"He, like, fantasized about having a normal life. Kid, wife, kid, white picket fence kind of thing."

Tony's romanticized view of a normal life reflects a desire for stability amidst his adventurous lifestyle.

"Tony comes in and says, no, I'm not worried about that. I'm going to make the show I want to make, and the viewer is the person I need to make happy."

Tony's focus on satisfying the viewer over the network underscores his understanding of the importance of audience connection in television.

• Tony's authenticity and willingness to take risks created a deep connection with his audience, distinguishing him from other TV personalities.
• He left a lasting impact on those who knew him, with friends and fans sharing their memories and experiences with him after his death.
• Tony's approach to life and his shows blurred the line between his personal and professional identities, contributing to his authentic on-screen presence.
• His philosophy on life encouraged embracing experiences and adventures, and he is remembered for his dedication to living fully.

"The greatest sin is aspiring to mediocrity."

Tony's disdain for mediocrity and his pursuit of excellence are evident in this quote, which encapsulates his approach to life and work.

"Your body is not a temple, it's an amusement park. You should enjoy the ride."

This famous quote by Tony reflects his belief in embracing life's experiences and adventures wholeheartedly.

• Tony's relationship with his mother was strained, with financial tensions and disagreements over family matters.
• His mother's demand for financial support and her actions regarding his father's ashes created conflict with Tony and his brother Chris.
• The Bourdain brothers were frustrated with their mother's expectations and behavior, leading to a contentious dynamic within the family.

"Tony would get an email like, hey, I need $50,000 for indental work."

This quote illustrates the financial demands Tony's mother placed on him and the strain it caused.

"She walked out in a huff. Tony and I stayed and had dinner."

The conflict with their mother led to a moment of solidarity between Tony and his brother Chris, highlighting the complexities of their family relationships.

• Tony grappled with the pressures of fame and the impact on his personal life, often questioning the pursuit and whether it was worth the cost.
• He sought ways to balance his career with his personal life, such as reducing travel time for filming, but ultimately felt the pressure was too great.
• Tony's story is compared to Ed Thorpe's, who managed to live a balanced life, highlighting the challenge of maintaining control over one's life while achieving success.

"I asked him about a half a dozen times over the year, what are you chasing? Why do you keep doing it? Why don't you slow down?"

This quote reflects the concern for Tony's well-being and the relentless pace at which he lived his life.

"True success is exiting some rat race to modulate one's activities for peace of mind."

The quote from Naseem Taleb about Ed Thorpe provides a contrast to Tony's life, emphasizing the importance of balance and control for true success and peace of mind.

• Tony (Anthony Bourdain) believed in producing television that he loved and was passionate about, without external pressures.
• He was against the idea of television success being measured strictly by viewer numbers, as suggested by a comment regarding the need for 8 million viewers to avoid being deemed a failure.
• Tony's approach was more aligned with the modern content distribution models like Netflix or Amazon, where content is sold on a subscription basis without dictating creative direction.

"And Tony had one of the best, even to that. People still watch this. I've talked to people, didn't even know they see his show on tv, they thought maybe he's still alive and still making it."

This quote reflects Tony's lasting impact on viewers, with some not even realizing he has passed away, indicating the enduring quality and appeal of his work.

• Tony was known for his relentless pursuit of excellence and never settling for mediocre work.
• He was extremely demanding of his crew, pushing them to produce the highest quality work possible.
• His obsessive nature and commitment to his craft were akin to other great innovators and creators who have left a mark on their respective fields.

"These are the people that make the best products. The Coco Chanel's, the Edwin Lands, the Enzo Ferraris."

The quote compares Tony to other legendary figures known for their dedication to excellence and innovation, highlighting his similar drive and passion.

• Tony valued clear and direct communication, avoiding passive-aggressiveness or ambiguity.
• He was straightforward with his opinions, whether positive or negative, which could be challenging but also respected by those who worked with him long-term.
• His dedication to his work was evident in his punctuality and respect for deadlines.

"He preferred clear communication. And I think anybody can appreciate that in an environment that they work in."

This quote emphasizes the importance and appreciation for Tony's clear and direct communication style within a professional environment.

• In the last three years of his life, Tony made significant changes to his lifestyle, quitting smoking and adopting healthier habits.
• He developed a passion for jiu-jitsu, which became a positive addiction, replacing his previous unhealthy habits.
• Tony's commitment to jiu-jitsu influenced his daily routine, including his drinking habits, as he needed to be fit for training.

"He was always making sure that when we weren't going on shoots, that there was a gym and he had time for training."

The quote illustrates Tony's dedication to maintaining his training regimen, even while traveling for work, showing the importance of jiu-jitsu in his life.

• Tony's relationship with Aja Argento had a profound impact on his life, both positively and negatively.
• Aja's influence led to Tony reverting to some of his old vices, such as smoking and drinking.
• The relationship ultimately contributed to significant changes in Tony's behavior and decisions, including his involvement with his family and professional relationships.

"He allowed Aja to destroy his family."

This quote reflects the speaker's perspective on the negative influence Aja had on Tony's life, particularly on his relationship with his family.

• The last year of Tony's life was marked by impulsive decisions and a departure from his previous lifestyle and values.
• His death by suicide left his friends and colleagues shocked and devastated, with many reflecting on the warning signs and the influence of his relationship with Aja.
• The legacy Tony left behind is complex, marked by his extraordinary life and tragic ending.

"The world is not better off with him not here. It's just not."

This quote captures the sentiment of loss and the belief that Tony's presence made the world a better place, underscoring the impact of his life and work.