The partner of Anthony Bourdain has paid tribute to the US TV chef after he was found dead in a hotel room in France at the age of 61.
Italian actress Asia Argento, 42, had been dating Bourdain since 2017 after meeting on the set of his series Parts Unknown on the US network CNN.
Argento said in a statement on Twitter: “Anthony gave all of himself in everything that he did.
“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.
“My thoughts are with his family. I would ask that you respect their privacy and mine.”
— Asia Argento (@AsiaArgento) June 8, 2018
The news of Bourdain’s death was announced by his employer CNN, who said the chef took his own life.
Bourdain was married twice before his relationship with Argento. He wed his high school girlfriend Nancy Putkoski in 1985 before they divorced after 20 years together.
He was also married to Ottavia Busia between 2007 and 2016.
Argento appeared on an episode of the travel and food series Parts Unknown that was set in her native Rome.
She has appeared in films including 2005 horror Land Of The Dead and 2002’s action thriller xXx alongside Vin Diesel.
In the UK, celebrity chefs Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson and Gordon Ramsay also paid tribute to Bourdain.
Oliver wrote on Instagram: “I have to say I’m in total shock to hear that the amazing @anthonybourdain has just died.
“He really broke the mould, pushed the culinary conversation and was the most brilliant writer… he leaves chefs and fans around the world with a massive foodie hole that simply can’t be replaced… rest in peace chef.
“Thoughts and love to all his family and close friends xxxxxxxxxxx.”
Lawson wrote on Twitter: “Heartbroken to hear about Tony Bourdain’s death. Unbearable for his family and girlfriend.
“Am going off twitter for a while.”
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
Meanwhile, Ramsay said: “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.
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