On this date the lionized French playwright MOLIERE was born. Considered the greatest writer of French comedy, Moliere is known for his plays Les Femmes Savantes, The Imaginary Invalid, Sganarelle, ou le Cocu Imaginaire, Tartuffe and many other masterpieces of Commedia dell’arte.

Martin Greif writes that when Moliere was in his late forties he fell in love with Michel Baron and brought him home to live with him. When the playwright’s wife protested Baron moved out till Moliere ordered him back. When his wife made an ultimatum that the playwright choose between her or Baron, Moliere chose. Three years later in 1673, when Moliere died, it was Michel Baron at his side.