Ariane Bourdain Today: What's She Up To? | Remembering Her Father

Nestor Heathcote 20 May 2025

What becomes of a child when a global icon departs too soon? Ariane Bourdain, daughter of the late Anthony Bourdain, has navigated this heartbreaking reality, her life forever altered at the tender age of eleven.

In the years since the world mourned the loss of Anthony Bourdain in June 2018, his daughter, Ariane, has largely been shielded from the public eye. Beyond a precious glimpse shared by her mother, Ottavia Busia, of Ariane performing on stage back in 2018, there have been few glimpses into her life. She was just eleven years old when her father, a celebrated chef, author, and television personality, died by suicide in France, leaving behind a legacy as complex as it was compelling.

Born in New York City on either April 9, 2007 or November 28, 2007 (sources differ on the exact date), Ariane Bourdain is the only child of Anthony Bourdain and Ottavia Busia, an accomplished MMA fighter. The young Bourdain inherited a significant portion of her father's estate and now, as a young woman, is focusing on her studies, shes enjoying a lavish life, having grown up in a celebrity family. The definitive oral biography of her father, "Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography," written by his longtime assistant Laurie Woolever, includes Ariane's reflections, offering a poignant window into their relationship.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Ariane Bourdain
Date of Birth	April 9, 2007 (or November 28, 2007)
Place of Birth	New York City, USA
Parents	Anthony Bourdain (Father), Ottavia Busia (Mother)
Siblings	None
Known For	Daughter of Anthony Bourdain
Interests	Singing, Martial Arts, Culinary Arts
Relationship with Father	Close; Shared interest in cooking
Inheritance	Inherited a significant portion of her father's estate.
Current Focus	Studies
Mother's Profession	MMA Fighter
Honoring Father's Memory	Reflections in "Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography" and other subtle tributes.
Reference	IMDb - Anthony Bourdain

The sudden loss of Anthony Bourdain sent shockwaves through the culinary world and beyond. On June 8, 2018, news broke of his death in France. Ariane, then a young girl, faced the unimaginable grief of losing her father. Days later, her mother, Ottavia Busia, shared an update, a testament to the familys enduring bond.

While the public rarely sees her, the echoes of her father's influence are apparent. She has shown a keen interest in the culinary arts, hinting at a potential path that mirrors her father's. Stories and anecdotes hint at a close-knit relationship. She and her father would cook together, particularly preparing ratatouille, a dish from the animated film "Ratatouille," meticulously recreating the recipe.

In the documentary "Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain," directed by Morgan Neville, Ariane appears primarily as a young child. Neville explained the decision, recognizing that she was not yet ready to share her current experiences with the world. This demonstrates a profound respect for her privacy and a commitment to protecting her from the relentless scrutiny that often accompanies celebrity status.

Bourdain himself spoke often and lovingly of Ariane's mother, Ottavia Busia, whom he separated from in 2016. He described her as "awesome," highlighting the mutual respect and care that defined their co-parenting relationship. Ariane's mother has played a pivotal role in her life, acting as the executor of her father's estate and ensuring that his legacy is honored. She was tasked with managing the personal possessions he left behind, carrying out his wishes with sensitivity.

Ariane, then only eleven, participated in a moving tribute to her father in New York City on June 10, 2018, demonstrating her strength and resilience. The strength of her spirit shines through, even when a broken thumb couldn't slow her down. This young woman, the only daughter of Anthony Bourdain, is slowly coming into her own, navigating a world that now remembers her father through his work and legacy.

The book "Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography" closes with Ariane's reflections on her father. These are some of the first public words, that speaks to the depth of her grief and the power of her memories. It also reveals a private life, and reminds us of what her father stood for: authenticity, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the world around him.

As Ariane matures, she has many of the same interests as her father, and in this way is keeping his spirit alive. Her story continues to unfold away from the cameras, but her journey reminds us of the enduring power of family, the challenges of grief, and the lasting impact of a life well-lived.

Her journey, though private, serves as a testament to a father-daughter bond, and a powerful example of strength and resilience in the face of profound loss. As she grows, the world can only anticipate what the future holds for her.