Romain GaryBirth Chart

Romain Gary, born Roman Kacew, was a French writer of Lithuanian origin, a diplomat, filmmaker and military aviator. A central figure in postwar French literature, he was notable for a prolific output — more than thirty novels, essays and memoirs — and for a unique feat: winning the Prix Goncourt twice, receiving the second under the pseudonym Émile Ajar. A veteran of World War II, he joined the French Air Forces and served in the Groupe de bombardement Lorraine, flying numerous missions and receiving several decorations, including Compagnon de la Libération and the Commandeur of the Légion d’honneur. His military experience and personal history inform many of his books and memoirs. After the conflict he began a diplomatic career with postings in Bulgaria, Switzerland, New York and Los Angeles, where he came into contact with the film world and served as consul general. At the same time he wrote screenplays — including The Longest Day — and directed films. His literary legacy blends narrative invention with experiments in authorial identity; the Émile Ajar episode exposed tensions around authorship and recognition and remains a lasting feature of his career.