Jean d'Ormesson, a very public face among the usually discreet "immortals" of the prestigious Academie Francaise, whom French President Emmanuel Macron called a "prince of letters," died on Tuesday. The academy announced the death of d'Ormesson, a writer, philosopher and newspaper commentator. A dapper man known for his charm and wit, he appeared regularly on French TV — unlike most other lifetime members of the academy. D'Ormesson wrote some 50 books and essays, starting in 1956. "He was the best of the French spirit, a unique mix of intelligence, elegance and maliciousness," the French president tweeted.

Source: ABC News December 05, 2017 09:12 UTC