The film also served as a turning point for Halkias, who was cast in the role of Sessa’s mentor Stavros, a move that changed the way he viewed his own life. 

“It was fun to realize, ‘Hey man, you’re not a kid anymore. You’re being cast to be the guy who helps the kid,’” he reflected. “’So stop thinking about yourself as a kid. You’re a grown man, grow up, for God’s sake.’”

As the 37-year-old shared, that realization came about during a pivotal point in his life when he was already “having those thoughts.”

“It really helped me to sort of rethink where I am and my own relationship to my work,” Halkias added, “and how I relate to other people.”

Tony opens in limited theaters on Aug. 7 before being released nationwide on Aug. 21. 

For a look at Bourdain’s life in the culinary world, keep reading.