Skip to main content
Jean D’ormesson Profile & Biography

Jean D’ormesson

Born: June 16, 1925
Died: December 5, 2017
French journalist Jean D'ormesson, born in 1925 and died in 2017, was a prominent voice in post-war France.

Who is Jean D’ormesson?

Journalist and writer Jean D’ormesson, born on June 16, 1925, and passing away on December 5, 2017, left an indelible mark on the literary landscape of post-war France. His career was characterized by a keen journalistic eye and a deep understanding of French society.

D’ormesson was born into the influential Lefèvre D’ormesson family in Paris, where he experienced a childhood rich with cultural and intellectual stimulation. His father, André D’ormesson, and his mother, Marie Anisson Du Perron, instilled in him a love for literature and journalism.

After attending École Normale Supérieure, Jean embarked on a career that would see him rise to prominence as one of France’s most respected journalists. His work was marked by incisive commentary and an unwavering commitment to truth-telling. Notable among his achievements were the founding of the literary magazine La Nouvelle Revue Française in 1945, which quickly became a platform for some of France’s most brilliant minds.

D’ormesson was also known for his personal life and relationships. He married Françoise Béghin, with whom he had one child, Héloïse D’ormesson. His marriage to Françoise provided a stable backdrop as he pursued his career. Together they navigated the complexities of raising a family amidst the dynamic changes in French society.

His legacy is deeply rooted in the vibrant period of cultural and intellectual renewal that followed World War II, during which D’ormesson was at the forefront, shaping public discourse through his writings. His death on December 5, 2017, from a myocardial infarction marked the end of an era for French journalism.

Common Questions

What were Jean D'ormesson's early influences?
Born into the Lefèvre D'ormesson family in Paris, D'ormesson was influenced by his parents' intellectual backgrounds. His father, André D'ormesson, and mother, Marie Anisson Du Perron, instilled a love for literature and journalism.
What were Jean D'ormesson's key achievements?
Jean D'ormesson founded the literary magazine La Nouvelle Revue Française in 1945. He was known for his incisive commentary on French society and culture, making him one of France's most respected journalists.
What did Jean D'ormesson do after attending École Normale Supérieure?
After graduating from École Normale Supérieure, Jean D'ormesson began his career as a journalist. He quickly rose to prominence with the founding of La Nouvelle Revue Française. His work focused on public discourse and cultural commentary.
Did Jean D'ormesson have any notable children?
Jean D'ormesson had one child, Héloïse D'ormesson, with his wife Françoise Béghin. He was known for balancing his career as a journalist with family life.
How did Jean D'ormesson's work influence French society?
D'ormesson's writings and journalism played a significant role in shaping public discourse during the cultural and intellectual renewal period after World War II. His insights into societal changes contributed to the evolution of post-war France.

People Also Viewed