Philippe Hériat, born Raymond Gérard Payelle, embarked on a cinematic journey in 1920, making his silent film debut after studying under the guidance of renowned film director René Clair. Over the next fifteen years, he appeared in supporting roles in an impressive twenty-five films, including the 1927 masterpiece Napoleon directed by Abel Gance.
In 1949, Hériat collaborated with film director Jean Delannoy to craft the screenplay for the film Le Secret de Mayerling. This marked a significant milestone in his illustrious career, which was filled with numerous literary accomplishments.
Hériat's literary prowess earned him three prestigious awards: the 1931 Prix Renaudot for his book L'Innocent, the 1939 Prix Goncourt for Les Enfants gâtés, and the 1947 Grand Prix du roman de l'Académie française for Famille Boussardel.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the literary world, Hériat was appointed a member of the Académie Goncourt in 1949, a position he held until his passing in 1971. Today, he is laid to rest in Père Lachaise Cemetery in the City of Light, Paris, his legacy continuing to inspire and influence generations of writers and filmmakers.
