Catherine Langeais

Catherine Langeais, originally named Marie-Louise Terrasse, was born on August 9, 1923, in Valence, Drôme, and passed away on April 23, 1998, in Mantes-la-Jolie, Yvelines. She was a prominent French television presenter and actress whose career left a significant mark on the broadcasting landscape.

Catherine was the daughter of André Terrasse, a noted economic journalist, and Marthe Brossette, daughter of a former mayor. The family relocated to Paris in 1933. At just fourteen, she met a young François Mitterrand at a school dance, and the two became engaged during World War II, although their relationship ended in 1942. Later, she married Polish count Antoine Gordowski, with whom she had two children before their divorce in 1954.

Her career in television began in 1949 when she was recruited by RTF, quickly becoming one of France's most beloved presenters during the 1950s to the 1970s. Langeais famously welcomed viewers during the first international television broadcast in July 1952 and contributed to programs like "C'est arrivé à 36 chandelles" and the cooking show "Art et magie de la cuisine" alongside chef Raymond Oliver.

Despite battling a chronic illness, she continued to engage her audience until 1955 and later hosted programs such as "A vous de juger." In 1975, she emotionally signed off from ORTF, transitioning to voiceovers for the newly established TF1. In recognition of her contributions to French television, she received the Légion d'honneur from Mitterrand in 1987. Catherine Langeais was married to television producer Pierre Sabbagh, but they had no children. She passed away from multiple sclerosis in 1998, leaving behind a legacy as a resilient and influential figure in French media.