Molière - Death

Legends never die! Molière is one French legend. His plays have been performed ever since he wrote them in the 1600's. It is often said that he passed while performing in the title-role of his play "The Hypochondriac" (also known as "The Imaginary Invalid").

The accepted account is that Molière felt ill during the performance, he was carried to his home on Rue de Richelieu and died within the hour. Considering he was an actor (in those days, they were perceived badly by the Catholic Church), he would have had to repent in writing or in the presence of a priest.

Sadly, a priest could not arrive in time to give him the last rites. Armande Béjart, Molière's widow moved mountains and the Archbishop of Paris authorised a compromise: a proper burial in the parish but at night! Four days later, Molière was buried, and years later, his ashes were moved to the Père-Lachaise cemetery.