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Hallier JeanEdern Biography

French writer and talk-show host, a provocative figure on Frances intellectual scene for decades. He is the author of several critically and popularly acclaimed novels but was probably best known for his TV talk shows in which he interviewed authors and other intellectuals. He had a flamboyant and provocative personality and did not hesitate on television to throw books he didnt like across the room, tear them up, chew them or drown them in champagne. In the 1960s, he whizzed across the political spectrum, in turn embracing Maoism, socialism and conservatism. In 1982, Hallier disappeared for nine days then claimed he had been kidnapped by a mysterious rightist group. Many believed he had made up the story. When he was almost blind, he claimed to have recovered his vision during a pilgrimage to Lourdes in October 1996. Hallier married on 2/01/1967 and divorced 12/01/1975; one daughter. He made a second marriage on 5/25/1977; one son. He also had an illegitimate child, Béatrice Szapiro, who became a known writer. Hallier died of a cerebral hemorrhage while riding his bicycle on 1/12/1997 at 8.30 AM MET^, Deauville, France. Link to Wikipedia biography Read less