Talma, François-Joseph

Talma, François-Joseph

(born Jan. 16, 1763, Paris, France—died Oct. 19, 1826, Paris) French actor and theatre manager. He made his debut at the Comédie-Française in 1787. Influenced by the painter Jacques-Louis David, he became an early advocate of historical costuming, and he created a sensation by appearing onstage in a Roman toga. After political dissension split the company (1789), the pro-republican Talma established a rival troupe. He developed realism in his staging and insisted on a naturalistic rather than a declamatory acting style. In 1799 his troupe was reunited with the Comédie-Française; as head of the company, he became recognized as the supreme tragedian of the era, winning the admiration of Napoleon.