Julia Child’s name has become synonymous with French cuisine, her show The French Chef a cultural phenomenon. But did you know that the beloved chef was once part of the Central Intelligence Agency? It’s true, but the connection is not as romantic as you would imagine.
Julia Child began her career in kitchens at the age of 15, working various roles in a number of establishments. Child was an active traveler and was naturally drawn to France. In 1942, she was hired by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the predecessor of the CIA.
During World War II, the OSS employed thousands of women for their espionage and intelligence operations. Known as “Donas”, these women were recruited for their analytical, language, and research abilities. Most of them worked in offices, however some were sent out in special operations and undercover assignments.
Child was one of these women and apparently found her work fascinating. She was hired as an assistant in the agency’s “Research and Analysis” branch, helping to analyze intercepted radio and cable communications between foreign agencies. This was no small job, and Child particularly credited her life in the OSS with her success in her later career.
However, her time at the OSS was kept a secret, only revealed decades later in a book written by Bio Harrison. Even today, the details of her work within the agency remains unknown. Speculation varies on her activities, though it is reported that she never went out in the field.
But one thing is certain: while her involvement in the OSS was not as glamorous or exciting as in the movies, her time there probably laid the foundation for her success in the kitchen. At the very least, it gave her an appreciation for the finesse and complexity of French cuisine.
French Cuisine in the OSS
It is no coincidence that Child was placed in the Research and Analysis branch of the OSS, as French Cuisine was one of the spy agency’s most important elements. During World War II, French cuisine was considered the preeminent form of gastronomy, something that the wealthy and powerful enjoyed.
Thus, the OSS employed a number of French cooks and chefs as part of their espionage operations. These secret agents were sent around the world to infiltrate various countries, gather information, and disrupt the political and military operations of their foes.
The OSS used its knowledge of French cuisine to gain the trust of their targets. By providing fresh, high-quality food and wine, they were able to build relationships with foreign governments and leaders. This was an effective strategy and it was used in some of the most influential espionage operations of the war.
So there is no doubt that Julia Child absorbed a great deal of knowledge while in the OSS., perhaps even enough to help her later in her successful career as a chef. Her experience with the agency certainly gave her an appreciation for the complexity of French cuisine, which she embraced and then shared with the world.
Why the secret?
While some may be surprised that Julia Child was once part of the OSS, the truth is that her involvement was kept intentionally secret. For that purpose, the CIA declassified a few documents about Child’s time at the agency, but there is still no evidence of her actual activities.
The reason for keeping this story a secret is likely to avoid any potential embarrassment to the agency. After all, the CIA was formed in 1947, five years after Child’s service with the OSS. Julia Child’s name would be too associated with the agency, and could damage their more serious image.
But that does not diminish the fact that Julia Child’s time in the OSS was instrumental in her success as a chef. Although her involvement with the agency was brief, it certainly gave her the basis upon which to build her future career.
The CIA vs the OSS
It is important to keep in mind that the OSS and the CIA are two very different organizations. The OSS was created during WWII, while the CIA was created during the Cold War in 1947. Moreover, the functions of the CIA are much more strictly defined and regulated than the OSS.
While the OSS was known to engage in clandestine operations and outright espionage, the CIA is restricted to gathering intelligence and analysis. Thus, while Julia Child may have been part of the OSS, she never was part of the CIA.
But regardless, it is clear that Julia Child’s time in the OSS had an undeniable impact on her success as a chef. Her involvement in the agency gave her an appreciation and understanding of French cuisine, something which she was able to bring to the world.
Fame from the French Chef
Julia Child is most famous for her 1963 show The French Chef, which was an instant hit. With her bubbly personality and enthusiasm for French Cuisine, she single-handedly introduced the masses to the art of cooking. She was an instant celebrity and her influence has endured long after her death in 2004.
It’s likely that Child’s previous job with the OSS played a part in her success. After all, her time in the agency gave her a deep understanding of French cuisine, which she used to her advantage. Her knowledge also helped her to navigate the complex French cooking techniques which she popularized with her show.
In addition, Child’s two cookbooks were best-sellers and widely praised by food enthusiasts. But her crowning achievement is probably her 1968 book Mastering the Art of French Cooking, considered by many to be the definitive work on the subject.
Her work was revolutionary and inspired many others to pursue a career in the culinary arts. As such, her influence on the culinary world is undeniable, and will likely live on long after her death.
Conclusion
Julia Child’s connection with the OSS is fascinating, and only further proof of her legacy in the culinary world. Although her time in the agency was brief, it certainly laid the foundation for her later success as a chef.
From the OSS, she gained a deep understanding of French cuisine, which she later used to help her gain fame as The French Chef and become a household name. Her two cookbooks were widely praised and her 1968 book Mastering the Art of French Cooking considered by many to be the definitive work on the subject.
Julia Child revolutionized the culinary world with her enthusiasm and dedication to French cuisine. While her involvement in the OSS may be little-known, it still remains an important part of her legacy.
