Celebrities in the Ancient World

Celebrities in the Ancient World

Larry Holzwarth - September 14, 2020

Celebrities in the Ancient World
Moliere (left) with the poet Peire Godolin. Wikimedia

7. Moliere

Born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin in January, 1622, he took the stage name Moliere as an actor, and published plays under that moniker for the rest of his career. His plays, particularly his comedies, remain popular, especially The School for Wives, The School for Husbands, and Tartuffe. The latter drew the condemnation of the British Parliament and the Vatican for its treatment of religious hypocrisy, which prevented its presentation in both Catholic France and Protestant England after just a few performances.

Tartuffe was so popular, (and remains so in France) that its title became a synonym for the word hypocrite. The suppression of Moliere’s play by Louis XIV, who personally enjoyed it but responded to pressure from the Church, affected only public performances. It was allowed to be presented in private, and Moliere produced altered versions for public showing. He was feted throughout the French-speaking regions of Europe, enjoying the privileges of his fame. Moliere’s personal life drew the attention of scandalmongers and those who regarded themselves as the target of his satire. He was never far from the center of gossip in Paris and French society. His celebrity grew following his death from tuberculosis in 1673. Today his plays continue to be performed in their original French, and in nearly all languages of the world.

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