Talma, François Joseph (1763–1826)

French actor who was favoured by Napolean Bonaparte; he became head of the Théâtre de la République in Paris.

Born in Paris, educated in London, he made his debut at the Comédie Française, Paris, 1787. During the French Revolution he became head of the Théâtre de la République (the present Comédie Française), where he played a number of classic roles, and several of Shakespeare's tragic heroes, in translation by Ducis. Napolean took him to Erfurt in 1803 to play before a royal audience, and also consulted him over the new administrative code for the Comédie Française. Talma made many useful reforms in the theatre, particularly in costume, and continued to act until shortly before his death.