Frederic Beigbeder Advertiser, TV presenter, writer Date of Birth: 21.09.1965 Country: France

Biography of Frederic Beigbeder

Frederic Beigbeder was a French novelist, publicist, literary critic, and editor. He was born on September 21, 1965, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, a suburb of Paris. His mother, Christine de Chateauneuf, was a translator of romance novels, including works by Barbara Cartland, while his father, Jean-Michel Beigbeder, worked as a professional recruiter.

Growing up in such an unconventional family had a profound impact on Frederic's lifestyle. He developed a penchant for provocation and self-criticism. Beigbeder earned a degree from the Paris Institute of Political Studies and later obtained a DESS degree in advertising and marketing from CELSA, the Higher School of Information and Communication. He then worked as a copywriter at the major advertising agency Young and Rubicam.

During this time, Beigbeder also collaborated as a literary critic for magazines such as Elle, Paris Match, Voici, and VSD. He was also part of the team of literary critics on Jerome Garcin's radio show "Masque et la Plume" on France Inter. However, he was eventually fired from Young and Rubicam after the publication of his novel "99 Francs" (later renamed "14.99 Euros"), which satirized and criticized the advertising business.

Beigbeder went on to host his own television show about literature called "Books and Me" on the channel Paris Premiere. He also attempted to host the show "l'Hypershow" on Canal+, but the program was soon canceled by channel executives.

In 2002, Beigbeder served as a free consultant for Robert Hue's presidential campaign, despite not being a member of the French Communist Party. In January 2003, the publishing group Flammarion offered Beigbeder a position as an editor. His first selection as editor was Lola Lafon's novel "L'excitation Intime," during which time he was involved in the anti-globalization movement and anarchist group Black Blocs. Beigbeder has a preference for outrageous plots and characters that resemble himself.

Additionally, he founded a literary prize that has been awarded to books by authors such as Michel Houellebecq and Virginie Despentes. He even made an appearance in the film industry, starring in the pornographic film "La Fille du Batelier" alongside adult film star Estelle Desanges.

Frederic Beigbeder gained well-deserved fame as one of the most interesting contemporary French writers. His novels, including "Memories of an Unsettled Young Man" (1990), "Holiday in a Coma" (1995), "Love Lasts Three Years" (1997), "Stories Under Ecstasy" (1999), and "99 Francs" became bestsellers in France in 2000.