Born: 1916 (Lausanne, Switzerland)
Biography:
Françoise Giroud, born Lea France Gourdji on September 21, 1916, in Lausanne, Switzerland, was a remarkable French journalist, screenwriter, writer, and politician. She was born to immigrant Sephardi Turkish Jewish parents, with her father, Salih Gourdji Al Baghdadi, serving as the Director of the Agence Télégraphique Ottomane in Geneva. Giroud received her education at the Lycée Molière and the Collège de Groslay. Although she did not graduate from university, her intelligence and determination guided her throughout her career.
Giroud’s journey in the field of cinema began as a script-girl for director Marc Allégret’s 1932 adaptation of Marcel Pagnol’s Fanny. In 1936, she had the privilege of working with acclaimed filmmaker Jean Renoir on the set of La Grande Illusion. Later on, Giroud dived into writing screenplays and embarked on an impressive literary career, publishing a total of 30 full-length books that spanned both fiction and non-fiction genres. She also contributed articles to newspapers and wrote thought-provoking columns.
In 1946, Giroud made a lasting impact on the magazine industry as she became the editor of Elle magazine, shortly after its founding. Her editorial brilliance resonated with readers, leading to the exponential growth of the magazine. In 1953, she co-founded the influential French newsmagazine, L’Express, alongside Jean-Jacques Servan-Schreiber. Giroud served as the editor of L’Express until 1971 and its director until 1974 when she was called upon to participate in the French national government.
Giroud’s contributions extended beyond journalism and literature. From 1984 to 1988, she presided over Action Internationale contre la Faim, an organization committed to fighting world hunger. Subsequently, from 1989 to 1991, she became the president of the commission that aimed to improve cinema-ticket sales. Throughout her career, she also served as a literary critic for Le Journal du Dimanche and provided a weekly column to Le Nouvel Observateur starting in 1983 until her demise.
In 1974, Giroud’s dedication to women’s rights and cultural preservation led to her appointment as the Secrétaire d’État à la Condition féminine (Secretary of State for Women’s Affairs) by French President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing. She held this position from July 16, 1974, until August 27, 1976, when she was appointed as the Minister of Culture. Giroud continued to serve in the field of culture until March 1977, contributing a total of 32 months to the cabinets of Jacques Chirac and Raymond Barre. She was a member of the Radical Party, and her profession was listed as journaliste (journalist) on the election documents.
Giroud’s dedication to making a positive difference did not go unnoticed. She was bestowed the Légion d’honneur, one of France’s highest civilian honors. Furthermore, Giroud served as the manager of ACF, a Nobel-winning charity, from 1984 to 1988.
Françoise Giroud always expressed her aspirations of breaking the cycle and getting France out of its rut. She admired the American spirit and their ability to overcome obstacles, seeing their boundless optimism as a source of inspiration. Her first visit to New York City after World War II left a lasting impression on her, acknowledging the strength and resilience present in the United States that Europeans often underestimated.
Françoise Giroud’s contributions as a journalist, writer, and politician were instrumental in shaping French society. She left an indelible mark on the fields of journalism, literature, and culture, becoming a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.
Awards:
– Légion d’honneur.