Romain Gary

Date of Birth: May 8, 1914

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: December 2, 1980

Biography

Romain Gary, born Roman Kacew, was a renowned French novelist, diplomat, film director, and World War II aviator. He was born on May 8, 1914, in Vilnius, which was then part of the Russian Empire (now Lithuania). Gary’s early life was marked by upheaval and migration, primarily due to his family’s Jewish heritage, which eventually led them to settle in France. He studied law at the University of Paris and later joined the French Air Force during World War II, where he flew in the Battle of Britain. Gary’s literary career is distinguished by his versatility and prolific output. He won the prestigious Prix Goncourt twice, first in 1956 for “Les Racines du ciel” (The Roots of Heaven) and again in 1975 for “La Vie devant soi” (The Life Before Us), written under the pseudonym Émile Ajar. This achievement is particularly remarkable because, according to the rules, the Prix Goncourt can only be awarded to an author once. Romain Gary’s works often explore themes of identity, resilience, and the human condition. He was also a diplomat, serving in various countries including Bulgaria, Switzerland, and the United States. His marriage to the American actress Jean Seberg brought him into the limelight of Hollywood, though they divorced in 1970. Gary’s life came to a tragic end on December 2, 1980, in Paris, where he died by suicide.

5 Interesting Facts about Romain Gary

1. Romain Gary is the only writer to have won the Prix Goncourt twice, once under his own name and once under a pseudonym.

2. He served as a diplomat in the French Foreign Service, with postings in Bulgaria, Switzerland, and the United States.

3. Gary was a decorated World War II aviator, receiving distinctions such as the Croix de Guerre and the Légion d’Honneur.

4. He directed the film “Les oiseaux vont mourir au Pérou” (Birds in Peru), starring his then-wife Jean Seberg.

5. Despite his success, Gary struggled with depression and ultimately took his own life in 1980.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Romain Gary

1. “Humor is an affirmation of dignity, a declaration of man’s superiority to all that befalls him.”

2. “The most important thing in life is to see to it that you are never beaten.”

3. “Man is a thinking reed but his great works are done when he is not calculating and thinking.”

4. “I wanted to show that survival is more than just staying alive, it’s also about not losing your humanity.”

5. “Patriotism is the exact opposite of nationalism. Nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Romain Gary’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million, which is significant considering the era in which he lived.

Children

Romain Gary had one son, Alexandre Diego Gary, from his marriage to Jean Seberg. Diego has largely stayed out of the public eye but has occasionally spoken about his parents and their legacy.