Bejart, Armande (c. 1642–1700)

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Bejart, Armande (c. 1642–1700)

French actress. Name variations: Mlle Menou, "Miss Puss." Born Armande Grésinde Claire Elizabeth Bejart in 1642 or 1643; died 1700; possibly dau. of Madeleine Bejart and the Count of Modène; m. Molière (the dramatist), 1662 (died 1673); m. Isaac-François Guérin d'Estriché (actor), 1677; children: (with Molière) daughter Ésprit-Madeleine (b. 1666), and 2 sons (both of whom died in infancy).

Actress, belonging to a 17th-century theatrical family, who originated roles in the plays of Molière; said to be a charming actress and the best interpreter of his plays, was at her finest as Celimène in Le Misanthrope and was deemed outstanding as Angélique in The Imaginary Invalid; after Molière's death, merged the troupe with the failing Theatre du Marais, to form the Troupe du Roi, which would merge once more to become the renowned Comédie Française.

See also Women in World History.