Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, known by his stage name Molière, was a French playwright born in Paris in 1622 and died there in 1673. He worked with the Illustrious Theatre dramatic troupe and later the Troupe of the King, directing his own plays and often starring in the leading roles. On February 17, 1673, Molière suffered a hemorrhage during a performance of his play The Imaginary Invalid and died later that day at his home.