La Clairon 1723 – 1803

Biography

La Clairon was born on January 25, 1723, in the town of Condé-sur-l’Escaut, beginning a life that would span the better part of a century. She would become known throughout France as a celebrated actress, bringing depth and artistry to the theatrical stages of her era. Her career flourished during a transformative period in French culture, when theater held a cherished place in society and actresses gained prominence as artists and public figures.

La Clairon’s life extended well into the nineteenth century, a testament to her enduring presence in the cultural memory of France. She spent her final years in Paris, residing in what was then the 10th arrondissement before her passing on January 29, 1803—just days after her eightieth birthday. Her legacy was honored through her burial at Père Lachaise Cemetery in Ménilmontant, one of Paris’s most distinguished final resting places, where she would remain among other notable figures of French history and culture.