Déjazet, Pauline-Virginie (1797–1875)

views updated

Déjazet, Pauline-Virginie (1797–1875)

French actress. Name variations: Dejazet. Born on August 30, 1797 (some sources cite 1798), in Paris, France; died on December 1, 1875.

One of the great names in the French theater, Pauline-Virginie Déjazet first appeared on stage at the age of five and subsequently became well-known in vaudeville for her male impersonations. In 1821, she began a seven-year association with the Gymnase, where her male roles (also called "breeches") became so famous that they were known as "Déjazets." In 1831, she went to the newly opened Palais-Royal, where she enjoyed 13 years of enormous popularity. After a salary dispute, Déjazet went on to play at the Variétés and the Gaîté, portraying great ladies and young peasant girls in addition to her repertoire of male roles. In 1859, she became manager of the Folies, which was later renamed the Théâtre Déjazet. She was successful playing youthful roles well into her 60s, especially in a number of Sardou's earlier plays. Her last appearance in Paris was in 1870. That same year, Déjazet was seen in a series of French plays at the Opera Comique in London.