Baron, Michel (1653–1729), French actor, son and grandson of strolling players. His father,
André Baron [
Boyron] (
c.1601–55), was with
Montdory at the
Marais and later at the Hôtel de
Bourgogne, and is said to have died of a wound in the foot self-inflicted during a spirited performance as Don Diègue in Corneille's
Le Cid. He played kings and noblemen in tragedy and rustic characters in comedy. André's wife
Jeanne Ausoult (1625–62) was much admired in breeches parts. Her early death was much regretted by Corneille, who said he had written a part for her in his next play, probably that of Sophonisbe. Michel, orphaned before he was 10, was acting with the juvenile Troupe du Dauphin when
Molière saw him and took him into his own company, giving him small parts to play. Unfortunately Molière's wife took a dislike to the boy, and on one occasion slapped his face, whereupon he ran away and rejoined his former companions. He remained with them until 1670, when Molière asked him to return and play Domitian in Corneille's
Tite et Bérénice. On Molière's death Baron went to the Hôtel de Bourgogne to play the young tragic heroes of
Racine's plays. He later became the chief actor of the newly formed
Comédie-Française, being endowed with a fine presence, a deep voice, amplitude of gesture, and a quick intelligence. He was the author of several comedies, of which the best is
L'Homme à bonne fortune (1686). He retired in 1691, at the height of his powers, but returned to the stage in 1720, remaining until his death. He was the last actor who had known Molière to appear at the Comédie-Française. His son
Étienne (1676–1711) was also a member of the Comédie-Française, as were Étienne's son and one of his nieces.
