Who is credited with inventing the role of the Harlequin?

The role of the Harlequin is credited to Joseph Grimaldi, who was a pivotal figure in the evolution of clowning and pantomime in the early 19th century. Grimaldi’s portrayal of Harlequin combined physical comedy with a distinct character that showcased agility, cleverness, and a playful demeanor, which differentiated him from other comedic characters of the time.

His innovations helped popularize the Harlequin, establishing the character as a central figure in the theatre and paving the way for future adaptations in various forms of entertainment, including the commedia dell'arte.

While Pierrot is another iconic character associated with the commedia dell'arte tradition, he is distinct from Harlequin and is characterized by a more melancholic persona. The term commedia dell'arte refers to the broader style of improvisational theatre that featured a variety of stock characters, including Harlequin, but it doesn’t attribute the invention of the role to a single individual. Jacques Lecoq, renowned for his contributions to physical theatre and pedagogy, does not have a direct connection to the creation of Harlequin.