Amazon Ads
 
 
(4175)
 
 
Charles Varlet
(1635–92)

Other names: La Grange, Sieur de La Grange

Biographical

 From his earliest youth, weary of the legal disputes involving his guardian, La Grange, his stage name, chose a career in comedy with his brother Achille and travelled through the provinces for several years. During this period, he met Molière, who engaged him in his troupe and brought him to Paris in 1658. He made his debut at the Petit-Bourbon theatre at Easter of the following year. Molière recognised and developed his intelligence as an actor, and La Grange became, alongside Du Croisy, one of his strongest supporters. He created twenty-nine roles in the thirty-five comedies and entertainments written by Molière. Further evidence of his talent appears in L'Impromptu de Versailles. After giving advice to several members of the troupe, Molière addressed only these words to La Grange: 'As for you, I have nothing to say to you.' This was regarded as the highest praise and was considered fully deserved. Following the dissolution of the Palais-Royal troupe, La Grange moved to the Guénégaud theatre and remained there after the merger of 1680. At that time, he abandoned tragedy, having previously performed in both genres, and thereafter specialised in high comedy roles. Although he was no longer young, he continued to play lovers convincingly because of his noble and natural manner. His stature was well proportioned, though unremarkable. Molière had already entrusted him with the post of orator in the Palais-Royal troupe. He also held this position at the rue Mazarine theatre and later, after being admitted to the Hôtel de Bourgogne at the general merger, succeeded Hauteroche, who occupied the post and felt himself growing old. He also administered the troupe of the King's actors. Driven to despair after marrying his daughter to a man who made her unhappy, La Grange fell into a deep sorrow that led to his death.  Charles wrote the preface to Denys Thierrry's The Works of Molière published in 1682.

Place of birth: Amiens
Place of death: Paris
Place of burial: Saint-André-des-Arcs, Paris

Son of Hector Varlet and Marie de la Grange, he married Marie Ragueneau in 1672 and had issue:
• Claire-Elisabeth, born, baptised, died and buried 1672, Paris
• Marie-Catherine, born, baptised, died and buried 1672, Paris
• Marie-Jeanne, *1675, married in 1691 to François–Louis Mushier, sieur de Troheou. She was said to have been mistreated by her husband, causing her father to die from grief.