François-Joseph-Isidore Samson
(1793-1871)

Born at St Denis on 2 July 1793, the son of a restaurant keeper, he took first prize for comedy at the Conservatoire in 1812. He married an actress with whom he toured France, joining the Comédie-Française in 1826, where he remained until 1863, creating more than 250 roles. From 1829 he was also a professor at the Conservatoire, where he trained, among others, the great tragedienne Rachel.  

He died in Paris on 28 March 1871.