Edmond Rostand

Date of Birth: April 1, 1868

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: December 2, 1918

Biography

Edmond Eugène Alexis Rostand was a French poet and dramatist born on April 1, 1868, in Marseille, France. He is best known for his play “Cyrano de Bergerac,” which remains a classic of French literature and theatre. Rostand hailed from a cultured and affluent family; his father was an economist and poet. Rostand’s education included studying law, but his passion for literature soon took precedence. Rostand’s career as a playwright began with less notable works, but he achieved immense success with “Les Romanesques” in 1894, which was later adapted into the musical “The Fantasticks.” His magnum opus, “Cyrano de Bergerac,” premiered in 1897 and received unprecedented acclaim, establishing him as a leading figure in French theatre. Rostand’s works are characterized by their romanticism, wit, and poetic language, often celebrating heroic and chivalric ideals. He married poet and playwright Rosemonde Gérard, and they had two children. Despite his success, Rostand’s later years were marked by health issues, and he retreated to his estate in Cambo-les-Bains, where he continued to write until his death. Edmond Rostand died on December 2, 1918, in Paris, France.

5 Interesting Facts about Edmond Rostand

1. Edmond Rostand was elected to the Académie Française in 1901, one of the highest honors for a French writer.

2. “Cyrano de Bergerac” was inspired by the real-life French dramatist and duelist Savinien de Cyrano de Bergerac.

3. Rostand’s play “L’Aiglon” (The Eaglet), written in 1900, is about the life of Napoleon II and was a vehicle for the famous actress Sarah Bernhardt.

4. Rostand’s home in Cambo-les-Bains, known as Villa Arnaga, has been converted into a museum dedicated to his life and works.

5. Despite his successful career, Rostand was plagued by poor health and suffered from pleurisy, which contributed to his early death at the age of 50.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Edmond Rostand

1. “A kiss is a secret which takes the lips for the ear.”

2. “My pessimism goes to the point of suspecting the sincerity of the pessimists.”

3. “To joke in the face of danger is the supreme politeness, a delicate refusal to cast oneself as a tragic hero.”

4. “It is at night that faith in light is admirable.”

5. “A large nose is the mark of a witty, courteous, affable, generous, and liberal man.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Edmond Rostand’s net worth was estimated to be around 5 million francs, a considerable sum at the time, reflecting his success and popularity.

Children

Edmond Rostand and Rosemonde Gérard had two children: 1. Jean Rostand (1894–1977) – A renowned biologist and philosopher. 2. Maurice Rostand (1891–1968) – A poet and playwright.