Benoit Constant Coquelin,One of the greatest theatrical performers of the time Benoit Constant Coquelin born in Boulogne-sur-Mer, Pas-de-Calais, France in 1841. Made his professional stage debut at 19 as the comic valet in Moliere's 'Le Depit amoureux' at the Comedie-Francaise in 1860, his first great success was as Figaro in 'The Barber of Saville'.