US celebrity chef and TV host Anthony Bourdain has died in an apparent suicide in a French hotel room.

The US network CNN - which hosts Bourdain's Parts Unknown programme - tweeted that the "chef, storyteller and Emmy-winning host" had killed himself.

Bourdain, 61, was found unresponsive in his hotel room in the city of Strasbourg, where he was filming an episode of the show, said the channel.

His friend, the chef Eric Ripert, found him.

Image: The chef was in a relationship with Italian actress Asia Argento

Bourdain's girlfriend, Italian actress Asia Argento, said she was "beyond devastated".


"Anthony gave all of himself in everything that he did," she said in a statement.

"His brilliant, fearless spirit touched and inspired so many, and his generosity knew no bounds.

"He was my love, my rock, my protector. I am beyond devastated."

A CNN statement said: "It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain.

Image: Bourdain with an Emmy Award for Parts Unknown in 2015

"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."

Bourdain's bestselling book, Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly, became a bestseller in 2000 and launched his TV career.

His early work on the Travel Channel won Emmy Awards and in 2013 he moved to news broadcaster CNN and began filming Parts Unknown.

Image: Bourdain with Barack Obama after an interview in Vietnam for his show in May 2016

The show also picked up awards and featured Bourdain travelling the world to explore food and culture.

He was in a relationship with Italian actress Asia Argento - one of the many women who say they were sexually assaulted by Harvey Weinstein.

He was twice divorced and has a daughter from his second marriage.

One of the first to play tribute to Bourdain was British presenter Nigella Lawson, who worked with him on a US show called The Taste.

Heartbroken to hear about Tony Bourdain’s death. Unbearable for his family and girlfriend. Am going off twitter for a while — Nigella Lawson (@Nigella_Lawson) June 8, 2018

Stunned and saddened by the loss of Anthony Bourdain. He brought the world into our homes and inspired so many people to explore cultures and cities through their food. Remember that help is a phone call away US:1-800-273-TALK UK: 116 123 — Gordon Ramsay (@GordonRamsay) June 8, 2018

She tweeted: "Heartbroken to hear about Tony Bourdain's death. Unbearable for his family and girlfriend. Am going off twitter for a while."

Gordon Ramsay also tweeted to say he was "stunned and saddened".

He added: "(Anthony) brought the world into our homes and inspired so many people to explore cultures and cities through their food. Remember that help is a phone call away US:1-800-273-TALK UK: 116 123."

Jamie Oliver said he was in "total shock" and that Bourdain had "really broke the mould, pushed the culinary conversation".

Actress Rose McGowan, a friend of the chef and his girlfriend, tweeted a video of herself crying.

Rose McGowan in tears over Bourdain death

Alongside it, she tweeted: "Anthony I am so mad at you. You were so loved, the world is not better without you.

"I have a message for those considering suicide as a solution to a temporary problem. Please call a hotline. Please reach out. Asia needed you, Anthony. We needed you. Please come back."

Bourdain's death comes three days after fashion designer Katie Spade was also found dead after apparently taking her own life.

:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK