Jean Cocteau was born in Maisons-Laffitte, France, on July 5, 1889. He was a prominent figure in the avant-garde movement and left a significant legacy in various artistic fields. Cocteau's work reflected his interest in the juxtaposition of reality and mythology. His achievements spanned several mediums, and he became an influential voice in the Parisian art scene. He was elected to the Académie française in 1955 and passed away on October 11, 1963, in Milly-la-Forêt, France.