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President Obama joins other big names in posting touching tributes to Anthony Bourdain

As the shocking news of Anthony Bourdain's death reverberated around the world, the world took to social media to remember the chef and TV personality, sharing memories and thoughts on the man who made such a large impact on his industry and beyond. 

Bourdain rocketed to fame thanks to his 2000 book Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly, an early excerpt of which appeared in a 1999 issue of The New Yorker. He later wrote several more books — and even a graphic novel — and his writing continued to appear in places like the New Yorker and the New York Times.

SEE ALSO: Anthony Bourdain has anointed this Filipino street food dish as 'the one'

Television was also a welcome home for Bourdain, who hosted several travel food shows, most notably No Reservations and Parts Unknown, and was a frequent guest on food-related shows like Top Chef.

Through all of these works, Bourdain was, at times, brash and outspoken, the originator of the new wave of "celebrity chefs" that have dominated pop culture over the last decade-plus. But he was also authentic and vibrant, using his platform to bring a broadened sense of culinary and cultural experiences to the masses.

It was an amazing, expansive career, one that left a large imprint on millions, and the sadness of his death was felt by a wide swath of people who shared their feelings on his passing. 

His girlfriend Asia Argento posted a statement on Thursday afternoon.

pic.twitter.com/dB1s994Znf

— Asia Argento (@AsiaArgento) June 8, 2018

His partner on-screen, Eric Ripert, also shared a statement later on Friday afternoon.

Anthony was my best friend. An exceptional human being, so inspiring & generous. One of the great storytellers who connected w so many. I pray he is at peace from the bottom of my heart. My love & prayers are also w his family, friends and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/LbIeZK14ia

— Eric Ripert (@ericripert) June 8, 2018

And many big names were quick to share how he'd touched their lives —  and them was former president Barack Obama, who shared a dinner with Bourdain in Vietnam while he was still president in 2016.

“Low plastic stool, cheap but delicious noodles, cold Hanoi beer.” This is how I’ll remember Tony. He taught us about food — but more importantly, about its ability to bring us together. To make us a little less afraid of the unknown. We’ll miss him. pic.twitter.com/orEXIaEMZM

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) June 8, 2018

In case you’ve never seen it, here is the original Anthony Bourdain piece that started everything. https://t.co/WpVqWoJBk6

— Doug Heye (@DougHeye) June 8, 2018

A piece of my heart is truly broken this morning. And the irony, the sad cruel irony is that the last year he’d never been happier. The rest of my heart aches for the 3 amazing women he left behind. Tony was a symphony. I wish everyone could have seen all of him. A true friend.

— Andrew Zimmern (@andrewzimmern) June 8, 2018

... Well, I hope that someday, buddy We have peace in our lives Together or apart Alone or with our wives And we can stop our whoring And pull the smiles inside And light it up forever And never go to sleep My best unbeaten brother This isn't all I see - Will Oldham

A post shared by Dave Chang (@davidchang) on Jun 8, 2018 at 5:02am PDT

Bourdain's exceptional writing made this one formerly picky, fearful eater very brave and want to try everything and I'll always be grateful for him and the worlds he opened

— 🇵🇷 Lin-Manuel Miranda 🏳️‍🌈 (@Lin_Manuel) 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

Sad day, the world seems to be getting crazier. RIP Anthony you brought us much joy with writing and TV. I wish you knew we would all be better off with you here with us x

A post shared by Neil Perry (@chefneilperry) on Jun 8, 2018 at 5:10am PDT

Explaining Jerusalem to @AnthonyBourdain in 2013. Such a shock to hear about his death. A great explorer and brilliant storyteller. A huge loss of a person who shaped and changed the way we write about food. Very sad.

A post shared by Yotam Ottolenghi (@ottolenghi) on Jun 8, 2018 at 5:13am PDT

Tragic news about Anthony Bourdain. Such energy being in his presence. Hanoi, Vietnam 2015 pic.twitter.com/sRKAzvPLds

— Pete Souza (@PeteSouza) June 8, 2018

I am gutted and saddened upon hearing the news of @Bourdain, a beloved presence in the culinary community. You will be missed. pic.twitter.com/GIAijn3jIL

— Carla Hall (@carlahall) June 8, 2018

I have to say I’m in total shock to hear that the amazing @Bourdain has just died 💔 he really broke the mould, pushed the culinary conversation, Rest in peace chef 👨‍🍳 🙏 thoughts and love to all his family and close friends xxxxxxxxxxx pic.twitter.com/HB7sV7CeRH

— Jamie Oliver (@jamieoliver) June 8, 2018

Maybe we all wanted to hang out with him. He was that cool, fun, frank, insightful. He introduced us to distant lands and to people with different traditions. And without ever preaching, he reminded us that we humans are far more alike than different. Thank you Anthony Bourdain pic.twitter.com/QMznx4JMhS

— Mia Farrow (@MiaFarrow) June 8, 2018

Just saw the sad news that Anthony Bourdain has died. I watched his show when I was in space. It made me feel more connected to the planet, its people and cultures and made my time there more palatable. He inspired me to see the world up close. #RIPAnthonyBourdain pic.twitter.com/Cb6IfmzylN

— Scott Kelly (@StationCDRKelly) June 8, 2018

This is who Anthony was. Asked to donate something for an auction for @HomesForOurTrps, he handed over his beloved — and pricey — watch. He’d give you the shirt off his back. https://t.co/BVvzTxPkPF

— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) June 8, 2018

Anthony. One of my idols. Unapologetic, passionate and one of the best storytellers on the planet. Thank you for making food so exciting. And always standing up for everything right. Horrible. Why why why. Be at peace now :(

— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) June 8, 2018

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

Anthony Bourdain was a champion of cooking without borders; he made all of us more curious cooks. We're struck dumb by this loss. We miss him already. pic.twitter.com/2ZkFfkOS3z

— epicurious (@epicurious) June 8, 2018

As @NASA searches for life on Mars, we lose the life of beloved Anthony Bourdain on Earth. Implicit and explicit reminders of how precious life is, anywhere in the universe.

— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) June 8, 2018

Finally, this thread from artist Shivana Sookdeo explains why Bourdain meant so much to so many. Be sure to click through to read the entire thing.

I met Anthony Bourdain only once, while waiting in line at a food festival. Instead of hello he said "hey kid, you hungry?" and it was like I'd bumped into an old friend.

— shivana (to scale) (@toastasaurus) June 8, 2018

If you want to talk to someone or are experiencing suicidal thoughts, text the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Here is a list of international resources.