Skip to Content

40 Rare Photos Of Julia Child You've Probably Never Seen Before

Fact: She was a true icon.

By
The Museum of American History has revamped the Julia Child kitchen display
The Washington Post//Getty Images

Julia Child's cheerful and larger-than-life personality on her cooking shows was infectious. But before she was a queen in the kitchen, she served in WWII, married her husband, Paul Cushing Child, and then together they made the move to Paris in 1948 that would change her life. It was here that Julia's love affair with all things French- and food-related began. Take a look back on her rise to fame and the people she broke bread with along the way.

1

1965: Cooking On Set

Whisky Business
New York Times Co.//Getty Images

Julia launched her award-winning television series, The French Chef, in 1962 after the success of her first cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking. On the show, Julia taught her viewers how to conquer recipes they might normally have been too intimidated to attempt, always with a smile on her face.

2

1966: Visiting The Market

Julia Child
Lee Lockwood

We'll never know what recipe Julia was shopping for here, but we're certain it was undoubtedly delicious.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3

1966: At A Shoot With Photographer Mark Kaufman

Mark Kauffman;Julia Child
Lee Lockwood

Julia released her second cookbook, The French Chef Cookbook, in 1968, so it's possible this dish was being photographed to appear within its pages.

4

1966: With Her Favorite Butcher Jack Savenor

Julia Child;Jack Savenor
Lee Lockwood

When the Childs crew moved back to America, they settled down in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Savenor's Market, a Boston mainstay, became Julia's go-to butcher shop. She sourced all of the meat for her television show, The French Chef, from the business during its 10-year run. Jack, the shop owner, was even on the show as a guest a few times.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5

1970: Cooking In Front Of A Television Audience

TV Chef Julia Child
Bettmann//Getty Images

A few weeks before her third cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Volume Two, was released she was busy on set, per usual.

6

1975: Cooking (And Laughing) With James Beard

James Beard;Julia Child
Lee Lockwood

Julia appeared on television with countless famous chefs throughout her career. Here, she's cleaning a large fish with the one and only James Beard in front of the camera.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

1975: Toasting Her Husband, Paul Crushing Child

Paul Child [& Wife]
Lee Lockwood

You know what they say: Couples who wine and dine together... No wonder this duo was married for nearly 50 years.

8

1975: Slicing A Leg Of Lamb

Julia Child At Home
Boston Globe

Julia expertly cuts up a leg of lamb that will appear in one of her many cookbooks—and Paul is ready and waiting to capture the moment over her shoulder. Teamwork makes the dream work.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9

1975: Picking Out The Perfect Lobsters

Chef Julia Child and her husband, Paul (C) picking
Lee Lockwood

The focus! The concentration! There's no doubt that Julia and Paul picked the perfect shellfish for whatever meal the night had in store.

10

1975: Playing The Piano At Home With Paul

(L-R) Chef Julia Child and her husband, Paul givin
Lee Lockwood

Julia was known to sing her way through her television series, so it should come as no surprise that she also played the piano. Here, she and her husband Paul give an informal recital at home.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11

1978: Admiring A Small Statue With Paul

The Childs In The Kitchen
Susan Wood/Getty Images//Getty Images

The location and context of this photo are unknown, but it proves just how tied at the hip Julia and Paul were throughout their life together.

12

1979: In Kitchen Of The Quorum

FEB 1979, FEB 10 1979, FEB 14 1979; Julia Child Goes to the Source; In the kitchen of the Quorum Res
The Denver Post

Frequented by politicians, actors, and locals alike, the Quorum helped put Denver, Colorado on the culinary map during its 30 years in operation from 1960-1990. Here, Julia visits the establishment and hangs with its owner, iconic restaurateur Pierre Wolf.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13

1979: Holding A Giant Monk Fish

Julia Child
Steve Hansen

Julia's second television series, Julia Child & Company, premiered in 1978. This photo shows Julia preparing to turn an intimidating monk fish into something delectable on set.

14

1980: On 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson'

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
NBC//Getty Images

Julia's television appearances weren't limited to her own series. Over the course of her career, she taught icons, including Johnny Carson, David Letterman, Dick Cavett, and more, how to cook with pizazz.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15

1980: Looking Disappointed To Be Holding A Spoon Of Lowfat Yogurt

Julia Child
Lee Lockwood

What could the context of this image possibly be? We will never know for certain, but it's clear that Axelrod's Easy-Dieter yogurt was not one of Julia's favorite snacks.

16

1983: At Home With Paul (Again!)

Julia and Paul Child in Their home
Rick Friedman

Julia's home kitchen (pictured here) now stands on display on the ground floor of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History: Kenneth E. Behring Center, located in Washington, D.C.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17

1985: Preparing To Cut Up Meat

Portrait Of Julia Child
Bachrach//Getty Images

Another day, another meaty recipe to be made! Dinner at Julia's was a 13-part series that premiered in1983.

18

1986: Julia And Paul At A Santa Barbara Food Festival

Julia Child and Husband Attending Festival
Bettmann

Forty years into their marriage and Julia and Paul were still traveling, eating, and indulging together, this time in Santa Barbara.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19

1989: Preparing A Goose For Dinner

Julia Child
John Dominis

You can still find the recipe for Julia's classic roast goose online, which she would serve with prune and foie gras stuffing. We're not drooling, you are.

20

1990: On 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson'

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
NBC

Julia and Jay Leno preparing to share in a glass of champagne on The Tonight Show. If that's not glamorous, we don't know what is.

Watch Next 
preview for Restaurants & Chefs
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below