Anthony Bourdain was married twice during his lifetime. Before his death in 2018, the renowned chef, author, and television host spent decades navigating complex personal relationships alongside a relentless global travel schedule. His marital history includes a long-term first marriage to his high school sweetheart, Nancy Putkoski, and a second marriage to mixed martial arts enthusiast Ottavia Busia, with whom he had his only child.
Understanding his romantic history reveals how his demanding career, personal evolution, and intense lifestyle shaped his private life away from the television cameras.
Anthony Bourdain and Nancy Putkoski: The First Marriage
Anthony Bourdain's first marriage was to Nancy Putkoski, a relationship that spanned more than two decades. The two met during their high school years at Dwight-Englewood School in New Jersey. Bourdain frequently described Putkoski as an influential figure in his youth, calling her a smart, independent "bad girl" who drew him into a rebellious circle.
When Putkoski graduated and went to Vassar College, Bourdain followed her upstate, enrolling there briefly before realizing academic life wasn't for him. He shifted gears to pursue his passion for cooking, enrolling in the Culinary Institute of America.
Life Together and Eventual Divorce
After dating for years, Bourdain and Putkoski married in 1985. For much of their marriage, Bourdain was an unknown line cook grinding away in Manhattan kitchens, struggling with substance abuse issues during his early years—a period he later documented with brutal honesty in books like Kitchen Confidential.
As Bourdain transitioned from kitchen underdog to a globally recognized television host with shows like A Cook's Tour, the relentless travel put immense pressure on the marriage. Bourdain himself noted that spending hundreds of days a year on the road fundamentally changed him and fractured their partnership. The couple separated and officially divorced in 2005, ending a twenty-year chapter that he often described as foundational to his adult life.
Anthony Bourdain and Ottavia Busia: The Second Marriage
Following his divorce from Putkoski, Bourdain met Ottavia Busia, a professional in the restaurant industry and an avid practitioner of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Their shared background in the high-pressure culinary world sparked a fast romance.
The couple married on April 20, 2007. Later that same year, they welcomed their daughter, Ariane Bourdain, making Bourdain a first-time father at the age of fifty.
The Strain of Constant Travel and Amicable Separation
Busia frequently managed life in New York while Bourdain traveled across the globe filming Parts Unknown for CNN. The punishing travel schedule—often keeping him away from home for more than 250 days a year—inevitably created deep friction.
Unlike many Hollywood splits, Bourdain and Busia handled their separation quietly and maturely. In 2016, they separated amicably, emphasizing that they remained close partners in raising their daughter. Busia noted at the time that their split involved no dramatic fallout or third-party conflicts, driven entirely by the logistical impossibility of maintaining a conventional marriage while living out of suitcases.
Romantic Partners Later in Life
Following his legal separation from Busia, Bourdain began a high-profile relationship with Italian actress Asia Argento, whom he met while filming an episode of Parts Unknown in Rome. They remained together from 2016 until his tragic death in June 2018. While Bourdain and Argento were frequently seen traveling together and collaborating on creative projects, they were never legally married.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Anthony Bourdain have children?
Yes, he had one daughter, Ariane Bourdain, born in 2007 with his second wife, Ottavia Busia. Bourdain often spoke about how fatherhood completely altered his perspective on life and safety, though his demanding work schedule remained a constant challenge. More details on his life and bibliography can be found on Wikipedia.
How long was Anthony Bourdain married to Nancy Putkoski?
Bourdain and Putkoski were together for over two decades total, marrying in 1985 and officially divorcing in 2005. Their relationship bridged his turbulent youth, his years as an anonymous line cook, and his sudden catapult into literary fame.
Why did Anthony Bourdain's marriages end?
Both marriages ultimately unraveled under the heavy weight of Bourdain's career. His transition into a globetrotting television host required him to spend upwards of 250 days a year away from home, making sustained domestic life nearly impossible to maintain.
Were Anthony Bourdain and Asia Argento married?
No. While Asia Argento was his romantic partner during his final years, they never married. Their relationship lasted from 2016 until his passing in 2018. Additional archival context regarding his career and public profile is accessible via Britannica.
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