Edmond Rostand: The Poet Who Created the Ultimate Wingman

Edmond Rostand was a French poet, playwright, and all-around romantic hero who lived from 1868 – 1918. He’s known for penning what’s often considered to be one of the greatest romantic dramas of all-time, Cyrano de Bergerac. But despite his literary prowess, Rostand might best be remembered as the ultimate wingman.

Born in Marseille, France, Rostand began his career as a playwright when he was still a teenager. He quickly became known for his flair for the dramatic–but not just in his writing. Rostand was notorious for his over-the-top romantic gestures, whether it was proclaiming his love for his wife in public or sending flowers to his paramours by the bushel.

But it was his play Cyrano de Bergerac that would cement his status as the poster boy for romance. The play tells the story of Cyrano, a talented wordsmith who, despite his many gifts, is convinced that he’s unlovable due to his unremarkable appearance. He falls for the beautiful Roxane, but she’s enamored with a handsome young cadet named Christian. In order to help Christian win Roxane’s heart, Cyrano agrees to ghostwrite letters to her on Christian’s behalf.

While this might sound like a classic love triangle, it’s anything but. Cyrano’s eloquent letters turn Roxane into a lovesick puppy, all while Christian basks in the glory of her adoration. Cyrano never gets the girl, but in a way, it’s his words that win her over. And as any good wingman knows, sometimes it’s not about getting the girl–it’s about making sure your boy looks good doing it.

Rostand’s writing was packed with wit, humor, and larger-than-life characters, but his work was always grounded in deep, abiding love. Even today, more than a century after his death, Cyrano de Bergerac continues to inspire admiration and awe.

But perhaps the most enduring legacy of Edmond Rostand isn’t his writing–it’s the example he set for any good wingman. He showed us that it’s not always enough to be smart, talented, or good-looking; sometimes, you’ve got to be willing to put it all on the line to help your friend score the girl of his dreams.

So here’s to Edmond Rostand, the ultimate romantic hero and wingman extraordinaire. May his legacy of poetic love and enduring friendship inspire generations to come.