Julia Child

Julia Child [1912 - 2004] was an American cooking teacher, author and television personality, who brought French cuisine to the American public with her 1961 cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, and The French Chef TV program (1963-1966; 1970-1973). When Child worked as a top-secret researcher for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during WWII, she earned many commendations for her service, one such award noting her “cheeriness.” That rare combination of intelligence and good nature persisted throughout her long life and career, making her the beloved figure she is today.