Apparently it's true. I've been reading about it this morning and I must admit it brings a smile to my face. This kindly lady whom I watched cook for years had this secret side and was a spy during WWII. It just goes to show you that you should never judge a book by it's cover.
From the AP article:
WASHINGTON - Before Julia Child became known to the world as a leading
chef, she admitted at least one failing when applying for a job as a
spy: impulsiveness. Details about Child's background as a government agent come into the public spotlight Thursday with the National Archives' release of more than 35,000 top-secret personnel files of World War II-era spies. The CIA held this information for decades.
You can read the full article here.
I always liked Julia Child and now I respect her even more for her bravery and service to her country during a time of war.
For those of you who don't remember Julia Child, she was widely known as a famous chef, cookbook author, and television host of her own cooking series.
CW
CreativeWoman posted on Aug 14, 2008
| views: 121
Comments
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Mamie said on Aug 14, 2008....
well, isn't that a tasty little morsel of info?? Funny! -
CreativeWoman said on Aug 14, 2008....
Mamie,
Yes, it is. :-) I was shocked and amused at the same time. She seems an unlikely spy, but I suppose that made her effective.
CW
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botoni said on Aug 14, 2008....
That's an amazing fact. Who would ever imagine Julia Child as a spy!
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CreativeWoman said on Aug 14, 2008....
botoni,
It really is. I can't wait to learn more details. I hope someone does a book about her secret life.
CW
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MissMimi said on Aug 14, 2008....
I saw an episode of Biography about her life, and they talked about this. I think she was an awesome woman. I credit watching her PBS show before there was FoodNetwork, with teaching me how to cook. Or at least trying new techniques. -
uniquely-ironic said on Aug 14, 2008....
I remember watching her on TV. I remember that she had a great fondness for all of the foods that are fattening. I think she'd have made a very good spy given her enthusiasm for those things she's passionate about. Her country was certainly one of those passions. -
gingersoul said on Aug 14, 2008....
She always struck me as a strong, independent and witty woman.
It doesn't surprise me at all that she has been a spy.
I bet she made the enemies spill all their deep secrets feeding them her succulent meals.....;-)
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Me-Myself&I said on Aug 14, 2008....
see ....you never can judge a book by it's cover. amazing! -
RollingC said on Aug 15, 2008....
Who would've thought of it? The Mata Hari of Cooks... thanks for sharing.
:^)
Rc
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CreativeWoman said on Aug 15, 2008....
Mimi,
That would have been interesting to see. I'm sorry I missed it. I leaned a lot from watching her show too.
UI,
You are right about the fattening foods. As I recall, she wanted things to taste good. :-) I always liked her and now I like her even more.
ginger,
I think you are right in your description of her. Maybe she made their mouths water until they couldn't take it anymore. :-)
MMI,
That's very true. Her unassuming way probably made her a great spy. :-)
Rc,
It is kind of a shocking revelation. :-)
CW -
silverwhisper said on Aug 16, 2008....
i remember hearing she worked for the OSS, and honestly, i just assumed she was a spy somewhere along the way, but it's cool to see this. :>
ed -
CreativeWoman said on Aug 16, 2008....
Ed,
I didn't know that much about her except for her love of cooking. I was amazed by . her being a spy. :-) I find it very fascinating.
CW