Romain Gary

1914–1980

3 standalone books

Romain Gary (21 May 1914 – 2 December 1980), born Roman Kacew in Vilna, Poland (now Vilnius, Lithuania), was a French novelist, diplomat, film director, and World War II aviator. He is the only author to have won the Prix Goncourt twice, once under the pseudonym Émile Ajar. Gary wrote more than 30 novels and was considered a major writer of French literature in the second half of the 20th century. He was married to author and journalist Lesley Blanch and later to American actress Jean Seberg. He studied law in Aix-en-Provence and Paris. During World War II, he served as a pilot in the French Air Force and later with the Free French Forces, earning several decorations for bravery. After the war, he worked in the French diplomatic service, including roles in New York, London, and Los Angeles. He wrote the screenplay for the film "The Roots of Heaven" and directed two films. In 1979, Jean Seberg committed suicide, and Gary died the following year.

Born

1914