On November 8, 1935, a boy was born who would later be admired as one of the most handsome men of his era.
Alain entered the world in a suburb near Paris, about 80 kilometers from Notre Dame Cathedral. His mother worked as a pharmacist at the time.
A Divided Childhood
When Alain’s father opened a cinema, his mother left her pharmacy job to work there as a cashier. But when Alain was just three years old, his parents separated and later remarried, giving him both step-siblings and a fractured upbringing.
His stepfather was employed at a butcher’s shop, where his mother also took a position. With their busy schedules, a nanny was hired to care for young Alain. At first, he enjoyed the novelty of moving between two families, but as time passed, he began to feel neglected and unwanted.
School Struggles
Alain’s school years were far from smooth. Restless and mischievous, he frequently broke rules and was expelled multiple times, forcing him to switch schools again and again. Academic achievement never came easily, and before long he turned to work instead of studies.
Early Attempts at Work
As a teenager, Alain trained as a butcher under his stepfather’s supervision. However, after only three months, he realized the trade did not suit him and quit. He later tried working in a store, still uncertain about his future.
Finding Discipline in the Army
His search for direction eventually led him to join the French Army. Surprisingly, this experience gave him the structure and discipline he had been lacking. Alain would later admit that military service had a positive impact on shaping his character.
Returning to Civilian Life
After completing his service, Alain transitioned back to ordinary life. His next role was far from prestigious — waiting tables. Yet this job marked the start of his passage into adulthood.
What seemed like a simple, unsettled youth was in fact preparing Alain for the extraordinary man he would one day become, admired by millions around the world.