Philippe Labro, born on August 27, 1936, is a distinguished French author, journalist, and film director whose career spans several fields in media and literature. He gained significant recognition for his work with major French outlets such as RTL, Paris Match, TF1, and Antenne 2. In 1986, he was honored with the Prix Interallié for his novel "L'Étudiant étranger," a prestigious literary award established in 1930.
At the young age of eighteen, Labro ventured to the United States to pursue studies at Washington and Lee University in Virginia, where he also traveled extensively across the country. Upon returning to Europe, he embarked on a journalistic career. His service in the military during the Algerian War from 1960 to 1962 was a pivotal period in his life. Notably, while covering the assassination of John F. Kennedy for the French publication France-Soir, Labro encountered Jack Ruby in Dallas shortly before Ruby killed Lee Harvey Oswald, leading to his testimony before the Warren Commission.
Labro’s contributions to film include both directing and writing, and he shared a close friendship with renowned filmmaker Jean-Pierre Melville, a relationship highlighted in the 2008 documentary "Code Name Melville." From 1985 to 2000, he served as RTL's program director and became the station's vice president in 1992. In recognition of his achievements, he was appointed Commander of the Légion d'honneur in April 2010.
