Meet Anthony Bourdain's Partner Asia Argento, Inside Their Romance, 20 Years Age Gap And Shared Loss

Anthony Bourdain was married twice before he passed away in 2018. Notably, the chef and author was romantically linked to the well-known actress, Asia Argento.

Anthony Bourdain’s life will be covered in a new biographical film, Tony, releasing in August 2026. For the unversed, Anthony pursued a successful career in different fields. He was a chef and author. Bourdain gained recognition for his involvement with multiple TV shows, including A Cook’s Tour, No Reservations, and The Layover. Anthony also wrote many books in his career, such as Typhoid Mary: An Urban Historical.

Anthony Bourdain passed away in 2018. He was discovered dead inside a hotel room and was 61 years old at the time of death. Apart from his successful career, Anthony was in the headlines over the years for his personal life, including his marriages to Nancy Putkoski and Ottavia Busia. Before his demise, Anthony was in a relationship with actress, Asia Argento. Keep reading to know more about Anthony and Asia’s love story!

Anthony Bourdain and Asia Argento met two years before the former’s death

Photo credit: AP/Faye Sadou/MediaPunch /IPX

Anthony Bourdain and Asia Argento’s first meeting happened after the former’s divorce from his second wife, Ottavia Busia, in 2016. Notably, Anthony was busy filming for his show, Parts Unknown, in Rome, when he first connected with Asia Argento. According to Vanity Fair, Bourdain fell in love with Argento at one point. The duo had an age gap of almost 20 years. Director Michael Steed recalled Anthony’s reaction while speaking to Vanity Fair in 2021 and said:

“When Tony met Asia, he was like, ‘She’s the best. My God, she’s so great.’ You know, like high school when you get laid for the first time.”

Rumours of Anthony Bourdain and Asia Argento’s romance emerged in 2017

Photo credit: MEGA

Almost a year after they first met, reports of Anthony Bourdain and Asia Argento’s romance started going viral. The news was first shared by Page Six in 2017, claiming that Anthony and Asia were dating. The outlet quoted the Italian press, which stated that the duo is in love. Furthermore, a magazine called Chi reportedly obtained some snaps of the pair walking together and kissing each other on another occasion. The relationship became official when Anthony shared an Instagram post in May 2017. While speaking to CNN in 2016, Anthony opened up on how the Rome shoot would have been impossible without Asia Argento. Bourdain appreciated how Asia helped the entire team and added:

“She was herself. Always honest, completely unsparing. If you ask Asia a question, you are going to get an answer - and she doesn’t care if it reflects badly on you - or on herself.… Asia has never given a f***. Her admission that she never votes is both terrible and true - and about as close to home as it gets. The last word, appropriately, is hers.”

Anthony Bourdain said that he will never tie the knot with Asia Argento

Photo credit: MEGA

Back in February 2018, Anthony Bourdain appeared for an interview with PEOPLE, saying that he is not getting married again. However, he mentioned that he did not have any issues if he and Asia Argento had to move in. Anthony said that he likes to be around the filmmaker for most of the time. Bourdain even addressed the fact that he and Asia share a lot of similarities and continued:

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“We’ve been married twice. So that’s not something that’s ever, ever going to happen. That’s the death of everything. I think we both respect each other’s work. Nobody’s ever going to say, ‘Oh, but you promised we were going to go to the beach.’ No, you know, you get a gig, that’s it.’ That’s it. Nothing else matters. Work first.”

During an interview with PEOPLE in 2017, Anthony even praised Asia's work in the entertainment industry, saying that she has been very helpful and inspiring. Bourdain said that he and Argento have been busy with their commitments, which keep them away from home. Anthony even described himself and Asia as "circus freaks," adding that he is an individual who likes to stay busy, and he always needs something to work on.

Asia Argento expressed her grief on social media a day after Anthony Bourdain died

As mentioned, Anthony Bourdain was found dead in 2018. The incident happened during a period when Anthony was shooting for the CNN show, Parts Unknown. The news was first revealed by CNN in a statement. The network praised Anthony's work, saying that his attraction towards adventure, new friends, food, and drink was sufficient for him to be known as a "unique storyteller." A day after the news was confirmed, Asia Argento paid tribute to Anthony and shared a statement on social media, which reads:

"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."

A few days after the tribute went viral, Asia Argento expressed her grief on another post. She added a photo of herself and Anthony Bourdain, where they appeared together on the water. Asia wrote in the caption that it has been two weeks since Anthony passed away.

Asia Argento has been active in the entertainment industry for a long time

Photo credit: REUTERS/Benoit Tessier / Reuters

Asia Argento has built a big fan base with her on-screen characters over the years. The 50-year-old started her career during childhood and later entered the world of filmmaking. She is also a musician and has a few projects to her credit, including her self-titled album, released in 2008. Asia Argento began her journey on the small screen, appearing in an episode of the show, Sogni e bisogni, in 1985. Starting from 1986, she was cast in many films such as The Church, Demons 2, Close Friends, Trauma, Queen Margot, and more.

Photo credit: AFP

Asia returned to television after a long break in 2000. She was cast as 'Eponine Thenardier' in Les Misérables. In 2018, she appeared as a judge on The X Factor Italy. Argento portrayed 'Christine Daae' in The Phantom of the Opera in 1998. She was also seen as 'Yelena' in XXX, featuring Vin Diesel. Argento has additionally directed a few films like Scarlet Diva, The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things, and Misunderstood.

Photo credit: Dominique Charriau/WireImage

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