Anthony Bourdain On Asia Argento: ‘I Liked Being Around Her As Much As Possible’
While late chef Anthony Bourdain's divorce from estranged wife Ottavia Busia wasn't completed, he was very much in love with actress Asia Argento, however.
Bourdain and Busia separated in 2016 but their divorce wasn't made final. His sudden death by suicide last Friday means that Busia, who is the mother to their 11-year-old daughter Ariane, is still legally Bourdain's next of kin.
Sharing Mutual Respect For Each Other
The remains of the celebrity chef and vocal #MeToo supporter are due to be transported back to the United States for his funeral as soon as Busia confirms what she wishes to do.
The two got married in 2007. Bourdain confirmed shortly after news broke that they split up and that they had been living separate lives for years.
"There's no drama here. We get along really, really well and it's not a big lifestyle change happening here," he reassured the press at the time.
Busia doubled down, explaining at the time that the two are very respectful of each other's lives and continued to consider themselves a family, along with Ariane.
The Love Of His Life
Bourdain began dating actress Asia Argento, daughter of Italian horror maestro Dario Argento, shortly after his split from Busia became official. Although he said he doubted he would ever marry again, Bourdain was open to the idea of living with his new lady whom he was madly in love with.
"Look, I like being around her as much as possible," he told PEOPLE simply.
The happy couple collaborated on Bourdain's new show Parts Unknown. The host explained that the two bonded over the similarity in their work ethics and busy lifestyles.
Following the sad news of Bourdain's death, the 42-year-old actress took to social media to express her grief.
"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," Asia wrote on Twitter.
Anthony Bourdain's Struggles
The beloved celebrity chef was found dead in a French hotel room at the age of just 61. He reportedly hanged himself. He was in the country filming Parts Unknown at the time.
According to sources who are close to Bourdain, not even his best friends knew the depths of his pain. Although actress Rose McGowan, who wrote about his relationship with Argento at her request, noted that the chef was struggling with some demons throughout his life.
An insider noted that although Bourdain worked too much and his marriage crumbled, he seemed happy with Argento. Those closest to him are still trying to understand what drove him to this point.
