Anthony Bourdain dead at 61

Renowned television personality Anthony Bourdain has died.

Cable television network CNN, where his award-winning television Parts Unknown airs, confirmed that the 61-year-old died on Friday of suicide.

"It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain," CNN said in a statement. "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 had worked as a chef in New York City before becoming a media sensation after the release of his memoir Kitchen Confidential in 2000.

That opened the door for opportunities in television, as he hosted A Cook's Tour for the Food Network, No Reservations for the Travel Channel, before landing at CNN.

Bourdain has been a consistent champion of Filipino food, featuring the country's cuisine in two different episodes of his show across networks.

He has called the Filipino dish lechon the best pig in the world, and at the World Street Food Congress in Manila last year, said he saw the potential for sisig a potential favorite for New Yorkers and Americans getting into Filipino food.

He is survived by his daughter Ariane, who was born in 2007. —JST, GMA News

If you are having thoughts of suicide, please seek help or call these numbers:

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Manila Lifeline Centre

• (02) 8969191
• 0917 854 9191