1910-1997

French Oceanographer and Documentary Filmmaker

Traveling around the world aboard his ship the Calypso, oceanographer and filmmaker Jacques-Yves Cousteau made underwater exploration popular with his fascinating research and documentary films. He also collaborated on the invention of the first scuba (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) device in 1943.

Born in 1910 in the village of St. Andre-de-Cubzac, France, Cousteau was the son of Daniel and Elizabeth Cousteau. His first seven years were plagued by ill health serious enough to prevent his participation in strenuous activities. As a result, he turned to reading and found pleasure in books—particularly those that dealt with life at sea and the exploits of treasure-hungry pirates.

A few years later, his father's employer suggested that an ongoing swimming program might strengthen the young boy's physique. This proved a good recommendation, especially when the family moved to New York in 1920 and Cousteau...