Georges Pernoud facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Georges Pernoud
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| Born |
Georges Alexis Denis Marie Pernoud
11 August 1947 |
| Died | 10 January 2021 (aged 73) Paris, France
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| Occupation | Journalist, television presenter, television producer |
| Years active | 1968–2021 |
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Notable credit(s)
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Thalassa (1980–2017) |
| Television | FR3 (1975–1992) France 3 (1992–2017) |
| Relatives | Régine Pernoud (aunt) |
Georges Alexis Denis Marie Pernoud (born 11 August 1947 – died 10 January 2021) was a famous French journalist, TV presenter, and TV producer. He was best known for hosting the popular television show Thalassa, which he presented from 1980 to 2017. This show was all about the sea and its many wonders.
Contents
Georges Pernoud's Life and Career
Family and Early Life
Georges Pernoud was born on 11 August 1947 in Rabat, Morocco. At that time, Morocco was under French rule. His full name was Georges Alexis Denis Marie Pernoud.
He came from a family of journalists. His father, René, and his uncle, Georges, were both journalists. His aunts, Régine Pernoud and Laurence Pernoud, were also well-known in history and literature.
In 1973, Georges married Monique. They had two daughters: Fanny, born in 1975, and Julie, born in 1978.
Starting His Career
Georges Pernoud began his career in 1968 as a camera operator at a French TV and radio company called ORTF. He joined two exciting trips with a famous volcanologist, Haroun Tazieff. They explored volcanoes in Congo and Ethiopia.
In 1973, Georges took part in a sailing race called the Whitbread. This race went from Portsmouth to Cape Town. This experience made him truly passionate about the sea. It also led him to write his first book. During this race, a young sailor named Dominique Guillet was lost at sea. Georges Pernoud first appeared on TV on 25 November 1973, on a news program called 24 heures sur la Une.
The Thalassa TV Show
On 4 June 1975, Georges Pernoud suggested an idea for a new TV show. He wanted to create Thalassa, a weekly documentary series about the sea. His idea was approved just two days later.
The first 30-minute episode was filmed in Marseille. It was shown on 27 September 1975 on the FR3 channel. At first, Georges only did the voice-over for the show. But on 4 January 1980, he became the main presenter of Thalassa.
The show became very popular. By 1989, it was broadcast every week during prime time, which is when most people watch TV. Before that, it had been a monthly show.
In February 1990, Georges also created and produced another documentary show called Faut pas rêver. This program explored different parts of the world. He also produced other documentaries for France 3. From 1999 to 2015, he was the president of a TV channel called Planète+ Thalassa.
With Thalassa, Georges Pernoud became the French presenter who hosted a TV show for the longest time. He presented 1,704 episodes from 1980 to 2017!
Georges decided to leave Thalassa on 21 April 2017. He was not happy with how the show was being scheduled, and he also had some health issues. His last appearance on the show was on 30 June 2017, in an episode that was all about him. Fanny Agostini took over as the new presenter.
Later Years and Passing
Georges Pernoud passed away on 10 January 2021. He was 73 years old and had been battling Alzheimer's disease in a hospital near Paris.
Awards and Recognitions
Georges Pernoud received many awards and honors for his work.
Special Honors
- Chevalier of the Legion of Honour (2012) – This is a very high award in France.
- Chevalier of the Ordre du Mérite Maritime – An award for contributions to maritime affairs.
- Officier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (2011) – An award for contributions to the arts and literature.
Medals
- Grande Médaille d'Or des Explorations of the Société de Géographie (1999) – A big gold medal for explorations.
- Medal from the town of Saint-Malo (2017) – A special recognition from a French town.
Prizes
- Prize Roland-Dorgelès (2005)
- 7 d'Or for the program Thalassa (1986, 1990, 1991, 1997) – A French television award, similar to an Emmy.
See also
- Thalassa (TV series)
- France 3
