CLAIRON, MLLE

born Jan. 25, 1723, Cond-sur-l'Escaut, Fr. died Jan. 29, 1803, Paris byname of Claire-josphe-hippolyte Lris De La Tude leading actress of the Comdie-Franaise who created many parts in the plays of Voltaire, Jean-Franois Marmontel, Bernard-Joseph Saurin, and others. She began her career as a soubrette but made her debut at the Comdie-Franaise in 1743 as Phdre in the tragedy by Racine. She also portrayed Corneille's heroines, who combined nobility of soul, pride, and intelligence. In 1753 Marmontel influenced her to simplify her declamatory style. Prompted by Diderot, she introduced touches of character and of ethnic realism into her costuming. Oliver Goldsmith called her the most perfect female figure I have ever seen on any stage. In 1766 she retired, though she continued to appear at court and in private theatricals. Her Mmoires were published in 1798.