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Biography of Pamela HarrimanName: Pamela HarrimanBirth Date: March 20, 1920 Death Date: February 5, 1997 Place of Birth: Farnborough, England Nationality: American Gender: Female Occupations: ambassador, political activist, political fundraiser Pamela Harriman Pamela Harriman (1920-1997) enjoyed the acquaintance of a number of world leaders and international men of wealth and influence. At various times married to the son of Winston Churchill, to a Hollywood and Broadway producer, and to a former governor of New York, Harriman was at first noted for her personal charm and ability to attract powerful men. However, in the final decade of her life she made significant contributions to the Democratic Party and served as the U.S. ambassador to France.Pamela Digby Churchill Hayward Harriman led an extraordinary life among the world's rich and powerful. She parlayed an aristocratic British lineage into social position, political prominence, and tremendous wealth. Initially fueled by youthful determination to escape country life in Dorset, the rebellious, high-spirited girl settled in London after coming out before King George VI and then spending the requisite year "finishing" on the Continent. Shortly after arriving, a …showed first 150 words…
…showed last 150 words…and she proved herself a hard-working and effective diplomat. Historian Michael Beschloss commented, "She understands domestic policy better than any ambassador to France since Sargent Shriver under Johnson." After a life of living for and through men, she finally came into her own.As in life, Pamela Digby Churchill Hayward Harriman's death was uncommon. She suffered a stroke while swimming in the pool of the Ritz hotel and died two days later. The French expressed their admiration by making her a Commander of the Order of Arts & Letters, the first time an active foreign diplomat was honored in such a way. Associated Organizations Further Reading Ogden, Christopher, Life of the Party.Smith, Sally Bedell, Reflected Glory: The Life of Pamela Churchill Harriman,Simon & Schuster, 1996.Detroit News, February 5, 1997.Economist, January 4, 1997, p. 82.New York, January 18, 1993, pp. 25-34; May 19, 1997, pp. 20-21.People, April 26, 1993, pp. 39-41; December 2, 1996, pp. 29-30.Time, July 5, 1993, pp. 52-54; January 22, 1996, p. 32; November 11, 1996 pp. 95-98. |