I don't know why this appeared on my YouTube feed, but it's really interesting.

Andrew Zimmern grew up in NY's Upper East Side.

His parents were best friends and had him, but then his father came out of the closet as an openly gay man.

Then his mother was in a coma due to a hospital accident, which left her brain damaged.

After that, Andrew became an alcoholic and drug addict, and also developed mental health issues, eventually becoming homeless.

I had no idea!

At least he seems to have his life together now.

Offsite Link

by Anonymous

reply 8

March 7, 2024 9:17 AM

Wow, I had no idea. He's certainly come a long way. It's hard for me to make the bed, much less run a restaurant and all the other businesses. I didn't realize he'd been through so much. I hope he's doing much better now.

by Anonymous

reply 1

March 7, 2024 3:39 AM

OP while reading your post I kept waiting for the part where he shot Travon Martin.

by Anonymous

reply 2

March 7, 2024 4:02 AM

Anthony Bourdain made fun of Zimmern for not being hard-core enough. I think he was comparing their food / travel shows, as well. I think Bourdain overstated his drug history to seem more cool. Zimmern, I give him credit for getting clean and staying clean and not pretending that you can still drink alcohol after being a cocaine or heroin addict.

by Anonymous

reply 3

March 7, 2024 4:18 AM

WOW!! Everything but the wolves nipping at his heels, but he had wolves pounding all his holes for 2 bucks in crack while cray cray!!

by Anonymous

reply 4

March 7, 2024 4:20 AM

Mmmmm.....yes, I know he had rough times and was a former drug addict. But I think Zimmern also overstated his addictions.

HOWEVER, his dad and family had considerable money and he had a lot of connections through James Beard.

Both Bourdain and Zimmern came from fortunate, moneyed backgrounds and connections. Never fully trust celebrities biographies - there's an element of fictional drama thrown in that's not always reliable.

Rich kids who become addicts have an easier way out. Middle class or lower income drug addicts? They have a MUCH tougher road.

by Anonymous

reply 5

March 7, 2024 4:23 AM

Possibly so, R5. I can believe he overstated his drug use.

by Anonymous

reply 6

March 7, 2024 4:36 AM

Momma’s muzzy is just ZIMMERN with excitement whenever Andrew is around!

by Anonymous

reply 7

March 7, 2024 4:45 AM

Zimmern always struck me as a closet case.

What are the odds that both father and son are gay?

by Anonymous

reply 8

March 7, 2024 9:17 AM