French actor, born in Paris, and after the usual apprenticeship in the provinces and in several Parisian theatres in small parts, was called to the Comédie Française in 1866, where he made his début as Philip II. in Don Juan d’Autriche. He soon became the most popular leading man in Paris, not only in the classical répertoire, but in contemporary novelties. In 1894 he toured the principal cities of Europe, and, in 1895, of America. He was also a composer of light music for the piano, and published several books of varying merit. He married Mdlle. Harville, daughter of one of his predecessors at the Comédie Française, herself a well-known actress. He retired from the Paris stage in 1893, and made a final tour of certain European capitals the following year. He died in Paris on the 14th of December 1916.
