In 1673, Molière collapsed after performing in his comedy The Imaginary Invalid and died shortly afterwards. He had spent his career writing, acting and managing theatre under royal patronage. His death became inseparable from the legend of the actor-playwright.

Molière left French comedy with unmatched models of social satire, verbal rhythm and theatrical character. His exposure of hypocrisy, pretension and self-deception influenced comic drama far beyond France.