Charles Deburau

Charles Deburau was a 19th-century French mime artist, renowned for his work in the traditional silent comedy genre. He inherited the mantle from his father, Jean-Gaspard Deburau, and became famous for his performances as the character Pierrot, a classic, melancholic clown in commedia dell'arte. His artistry contributed to the evolution of mime and physical theater, emphasizing expressive movement and subtle gestures to convey emotion without words. Deburau’s influence helped shape modern mime and theatrical performance, leaving a lasting legacy in the history of performance arts.