Julia Child, (née McWilliams August 15, 1912 -- August 13, 2004) was an American chef, author, and television personality. She is recognized for introducing French cuisine to the American public with her debut cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, and her subsequent television programs, the most notable of which was The French Chef, which premiered in 1963.
In 1996, Julia Child was ranked #46 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time.