Claire
Julia Child didn’t work alone. Throughout her career, she built friendships with some of the most influential chefs in the world.
She also inspired questions. Are any of today’s celebrity chefs related to her? Did she get along with everyone?
Here’s the truth about Julia Child’s relationships with other famous chefs.
Julia Child and Jacques Pépin
Were Julia Child and Jacques Pépin friends? Yes. Julia Child and Jacques Pépin were close friends for nearly half a century. They met in 1960 and remained friends until Julia’s death in 2004. They co-hosted the Emmy-winning PBS show “Julia & Jacques Cooking at Home” (1999-2000).
Their Famous Friendship
Julia and Jacques met in 1960 and immediately connected over their shared love of French cuisine. Julia had met her husband Paul while working for the OSS during WWII, and by 1960 she was establishing herself in the culinary world. Their friendship lasted 44 years.
What made their bond special:
- They often spoke French together
- They shared a playful, teasing dynamic
- They respected each other’s different techniques
- They genuinely enjoyed each other’s company
“Julia & Jacques Cooking at Home” (1999-2000)
Their PBS show was filmed in Julia’s home kitchen. Over 22 episodes, they demonstrated that there’s more than one way to cook.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Show | Julia & Jacques Cooking at Home |
| Years | 1999-2000 |
| Episodes | 22 |
| Emmy | Outstanding Service Show Host (2001) |
| Companion Cookbook | Bestseller, won IACP and James Beard awards |
The show featured friendly debates about technique. Jacques preferred precision; Julia embraced improvisation. Both approaches worked.
Julia Child and James Beard
Were Julia Child and James Beard friends? Yes. Julia Child and James Beard were close friends from 1961 until his death in 1985. After he passed, Julia helped establish the James Beard Foundation in his memory.
The Two Titans of American Food
Julia and James met in 1961, the same year Mastering the Art of French Cooking was published. They became close friends immediately.
What connected them:
- Both were over 6 feet tall with distinctive voices
- Both were cookbook authors and TV hosts
- Both loved good food and good company
- Both dedicated their lives to improving American cooking
Julia’s Role in the James Beard Foundation
After James Beard died in 1985, Julia championed the idea of preserving his Greenwich Village home as a culinary center.
She worked with Peter Kump to transform the house into what became the James Beard Foundation, home of the famous James Beard Awards.
Is Anne Burrell Related to Julia Child?
Is Anne Burrell related to Julia Child? No. Anne Burrell is NOT related to Julia Child in any way. They are not mother and daughter, not cousins, not related at all. This is a common misconception.
Why People Ask This Question
The confusion likely comes from:
- Anne Burrell’s theatrical cooking style
- Her energetic TV personality
- Both being beloved Food Network personalities
However, Anne Burrell’s mother is Marlene Burrell, who owned a flower shop. Anne is only 5’2″ tall, compared to Julia’s 6’2″.
Anne Burrell’s Own Words
Anne Burrell has said she feels “simpatico” with Julia Child, describing them both as “big, kooky, loud ladies” who share a joy in cooking. But she clearly identifies Julia as an inspiration, not a relative.
Julia Child was an idol for Anne Burrell, who watched Julia’s cooking show from age three.
Julia Child and Julie Powell
Did Julia Child know Julie Powell? Not personally. Julie Powell was the blogger who cooked all 524 recipes from Mastering the Art of French Cooking in one year. Her blog became the book and movie “Julie & Julia,” but Julia Child never met her.
The Blog That Became a Movie
In 2002, Julie Powell started a blog documenting her attempt to cook every recipe from Julia’s famous cookbook in 365 days.
The blog became:
- A bestselling book (2005)
- The movie Julie & Julia (2009) starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams
Did Julia Approve?
Julia Child was reportedly lukewarm about the project. She was in her 90s when the blog started and passed away before the movie was made.
According to those close to Julia, she was skeptical of the blog’s premise and didn’t fully understand the internet phenomenon.
Other Chef Connections
Martha Stewart
Martha Stewart and Julia Child were contemporaries who represented different approaches to home cooking. Julia focused on French technique; Martha focused on lifestyle and entertaining.
They respected each other professionally, though their styles were quite different.
Gordon Ramsay
Gordon Ramsay has spoken about Julia Child’s influence on his career and on cooking television generally. While they never worked together, Ramsay credits earlier pioneers like Julia for making cooking shows popular.
Chef Henry Haller (White House Chef)
Henry Haller served as White House Executive Chef from 1966 to 1987. Julia Child visited the White House kitchen and admired the challenges of cooking for presidents and state dinners.
Zephyr Wright
Zephyr Wright was President Lyndon B. Johnson’s family cook for over two decades. Both Wright and Child contributed to American culinary history during the same era, representing different but equally important food traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. They were close friends for 44 years and co-hosted a PBS cooking show together.
No. They are not related in any way. This is a common misconception.
Not personally. Julia was skeptical of the blog project and never met Julie Powell.
es. They were close friends from 1961 until his death in 1985. Julia helped found the James Beard Foundation.
No. Anne Burrell’s mother is Marlene Burrell.
Sources
- James Beard Foundation
- WGBH – Jacques Pépin on Julia Child
- PBS – Julia & Jacques Cooking at Home
- Wikipedia – Julia Child
– Claire
