Romain Gary
Biography
Romain Gary was a French novelist, diplomat, film director, and World War II aviator. He was born Roman Kacew on May 21, 1914, in Vilnius, which was then in the Russian Empire. Gary is also known by the pen name Émile Ajar. He is considered a major writer of French literature of the second half of the 20th century. Gary's birth name is Roman Leibovich Katsev in Russian and Roman Katsev in Yiddish. He was born to a Lithuanian family of Jewish culture. Gary won the Prix Goncourt under two names. He was married to Lesley Blanch and then Jean Seberg.
Career overview
Romain Gary was a French novelist, diplomat, film director, and military aviator. He is known for writing under two names, including his own and the pen name Émile Ajar. Gary is considered a major writer of French literature in the second half of the 20th century. He is the only author to have won the Prix Goncourt under two names.
Gary's writing career spanned multiple genres and formats. He is credited with writing novels, and his work is considered significant in French literature. Gary's background and experiences likely influenced his writing, as he was born in Vilnius, which was then part of the Russian Empire, and later became a French citizen. His cultural and linguistic background, including speaking French and English, may have also impacted his writing.
Gary's writing career is notable for its diversity and range. He is known to have written novels, and his work has been recognized with the Prix Goncourt. Gary's writing career is also notable for his use of multiple pen names, including his own and the pen name Émile Ajar. This aspect of his career highlights his creativity and experimentation with different forms of writing.
Ask the Vault
Ask anything about Romain Gary.
Career timeline
Full Filmography
37 titles- White Dog (2022) Novel
- Racisé.e.s : Une histoire franco-américaine (2022) as Himself (archive)
- The Life Ahead (2020) Novel
- Promise at Dawn (2017) Novel
- A Perfect Man (2015) as Self (archive footage)
- The Life Before Us (2010) Novel
- Les Cerfs-volants (2007) Novel
- Les Faussaires (1994) Novel
- Genghis Cohn (1993) Novel
- Screen Two (1985) Writer
- White Dog (1982) Story
- Your Ticket Is No Longer Valid (1981) Novel
- Womanlight (1979) Novel
- Gros câlin (1979) Novel
- Madame Rosa (1977) Novel
- Apostrophes (1975) as Self
- Midi trente (1972) as Self
- Kill! (1971) Director
- Kill! (1971) Writer
- The Ski Bum (1971) Novel
- Promise at Dawn (1970) Novel
- Birds in Peru (1968) Director
- Birds in Peru (1968) Short Story
- Birds in Peru (1968) Screenplay
- Birds in Peru (1968) Dialogue
- The Road to Corinth (1967)
- Lady L (1965) Novel
- Backfire (1964)
- The Longest Day (1962) Script Supervisor
- The Longest Day (1962) Writer
- The Longest Day (1962) Script Consultant
- The Man Who Understood Women (1959) Novel
- Small World (1958) as Self
- The Roots of Heaven (1958) Novel
- The Roots of Heaven (1958) Screenplay
- Nitchevo (1936)
- Nő a barakkban Writer
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Romain Gary best known for?
Romain Gary is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including The Life Ahead (2020), Promise at Dawn (2017), A Perfect Man (2015), Screen Two (1985).
When and where was Romain Gary born?
Romain Gary was born on May 21, 1914 in Vilna, Russian Empire [now Vilnius, Lithuania]. They passed away on December 2, 1980.
How many credits does Romain Gary have?
Romain Gary has accumulated over 37 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1936 to 2022.
What is Romain Gary's background in cinema and television?
Romain Gary was a French novelist, diplomat, film director, and World War II aviator. He was born Roman Kacew on May 21, 1914, in Vilnius, which was then in the Russian Empire. Gary is also known by the pen name Émile Ajar. He is considered a major writer of French literature of the second half of the 20th century. Gar...
Romain Gary by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Apostrophes (1975) as Self — aged about 61
- Small World (1958) as Self — aged about 44
- A Perfect Man (2015) as Self (archive footage) — aged about 101
- Midi trente (1972) as Self — aged about 58
What viewers say
No comments yet. Be the first to share your take on Romain Gary.