39 Interesting Facts about Julia Child

Dan September 1, 2023

Julia Child (1912-2004) was an iconic American chef, author, and television personality who played a pivotal role in popularizing French cuisine in the United States. Born in Pasadena, California, she initially worked in advertising and other fields before discovering her passion for cooking during her time in France. In the early 1960s, she co-authored the groundbreaking cookbook “Mastering the Art of French Cooking,” which introduced traditional French recipes and techniques to American audiences.

One of Julia Child’s most significant contributions was her television show, “The French Chef,” which debuted in 1963. With her warm and exuberant personality, along with her unpretentious approach to cooking, she made complex French dishes accessible to a wide audience. Her signature sign-off phrase, “Bon appétit!” became synonymous with her culinary enthusiasm. Child’s pioneering work in television cooking shows set the stage for many future celebrity chefs.

Julia Child’s impact extended beyond the kitchen. She emphasized the importance of persistence and experimentation in cooking, encouraging viewers to not fear making mistakes and to enjoy the process. Her adventurous spirit and dedication to sharing her love for cooking helped inspire a new generation of chefs and home cooks. Julia Child’s legacy lives on through her books, television programs, and the enduring influence she had on American culinary culture, shaping the way people approach food and cooking.

Let’s take a look at these 39 interesting facts about Julia Child to know more about her.

1. Julia Carolyn McWilliams was born on August 15, 1912, in Pasadena, California.
2. She graduated from Smith College in 1934 with a degree in history.
3. During World War II, she worked for the OSS, handling classified documents.
4. Julia met her husband, Paul Cushing Child, while working for the OSS.
5. The Childs moved to France in 1948, where Julia developed her passion for French cuisine.
6. She studied at Le Cordon Bleu cooking school in Paris.
7. Julia was one of few women in her Le Cordon Bleu class.
8. She also studied under renowned chef Max Bugnard.
9. Julia co-authored “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” with Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle.
10. The first volume of the cookbook was published in 1961.
11. The second volume followed in 1970, containing over 500 recipes.
12. Julia’s TV show, “The French Chef,” premiered in 1963 on WGBH-TV in Boston.
13. “The French Chef” ran for ten years and won a Peabody Award in 1965.
14. Her sign-off phrase was “Bon appétit!”
15. She emphasized precision and real, fresh ingredients in cooking.
16. Her enthusiasm inspired countless individuals to try French cuisine.
17. “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” remains a culinary classic.
18. Julia authored cookbooks like “The Way to Cook” and “Julia’s Kitchen Wisdom.”
19. She received the National Book Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003.
20. Julia was 6 feet 2 inches tall and had a distinct voice.
21. She added humor to her cooking demonstrations.
22. Julia loved wine and enjoyed pairing it with her meals.
23. Meryl Streep portrayed her in the film “Julie & Julia.”
24. Julia’s kitchen is displayed at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
25. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2003.
26. Julia was inducted into the Culinary Institute of America’s Hall of Fame in 1993.
27. She had an adventurous palate and loved trying different foods.
28. Julia famously said, “The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.”
29. She had a close friendship with James Beard.
30. Julia’s writing style was thorough and detailed.
31. Her husband, Paul Child, was very supportive of her culinary pursuits.
32. Julia introduced Americans to French techniques like deboning a chicken.
33. She loved dogs and often had them as pets.
34. Julia was known for her strong work ethic and dedication.
35. Her favorite meal was roast chicken.
36. She passed away on August 13, 2004, at the age of 91.
37. Julia Child’s legacy continues to inspire chefs and home cooks worldwide.

Julia Child stands as a towering figure whose passion for French cuisine and unwavering dedication to her craft transformed the way Americans approached cooking. With her warm personality, unpretentious approach, and infectious enthusiasm, she demystified the art of French cooking, making it accessible to the masses. Julia’s legacy lives on through her iconic cookbooks, groundbreaking television shows, and enduring impact on culinary education. Her adventurous spirit, love for real ingredients, and belief in the joy of cooking continue to inspire both professional chefs and home cooks, reminding us that with passion, perseverance, and a touch of butter, anything is possible in the kitchen.