Georges Bernier
Georges Bernier, widely recognized as Professor Choron, was a French humorist, writer, and journalist. Born on September 21, 1929, in La Neuville-aux-Bois (Marne), he experienced early hardship, becoming an orphan at the age of eleven after his mother, who worked as a gatekeeper, passed away. He completed his elementary education at that young age and subsequently served for 28 months in the 6th BCCP in Indochina, spending nine years total in airborne troops (TAP). This experience, along with his subsequent affliction with tuberculosis upon returning to France, likely influenced his later satirical work. Bernier’s career in the press began with roles as a colporter and then head of sales for the satirical newspaper Zéro . In 1960, he played a key role in establishing the influential monthly magazine Hara-Kiri alongside François Cavanna and Fred. The magazine's name and initial location stemmed from Rue Choron, which became his pseudonym. He contributed significantly to Hara-Kiri , engaging in writing and photo-editing, and also creating or participating in fake advertisements and photomontages for Les éditions du Square, which was created in 1962 when the editorial team relocated. His involvement extended beyond print media, including appearances on Jean-Christophe Averty’s television show Les Raisins verts and later contributing regularly to Charlie Hebdo after its creation in 1970. Bernier continued to explore various comedic avenues throughout his career. He adapted his "fiches bricolages" for television in 1988 and participated in Jean-Michel Ribes' Merci Bernard . A public argument with Aure Atika occurred on Radio Nova in 1996, demonstrating his willingness to engage in provocative discourse. He also ventured into children’s media, creating the magazine Grodada . He was the father of comedian Michèle Bernier and grandfather of actress Charlotte Gaccio. Georges Bernier died on January 10, 2005, at Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital in Paris and was buried at Montparnasse Cemetery. A documentary, Choron Dernière , was released in 2008 to honor his life and work as a multifaceted figure in French humor.
