Madeleine Béjart

Madeleine Béjart (born Jan. 8, 1618, Paris—died Feb. 17, 1672, Paris) was a French actress and theatrical manager, a member of the Béjart family, and an intimate friend of the playwright Molière.

Madeleine Béjart is reputed to have persuaded Molière to take to the theatre. Together with her and a group of other actors he formed an acting company, the Illustre-Théâtre, and her successful acting boosted the young company’s morale amidst its grave financial difficulties. A distinguished actress who remained with Molière until her death, she excelled in the parts of soubrettes (i.e., coquettish maids or frivolous young women), several of which Molière wrote for her; among her creations were Marotte in Les Précieuses ridicules (1659; The Affected Young Ladies), Lisette in L’École des maris (1661; The School for Husbands), and Dorine in Tartuffe (1664–69).