The Resume

( -November 19, 1703)
Prisoner during the reign of King Louis XIV
Face was kept hidden behind a mask
Most likely candidates for his identity:
Antonio Matthioli, an Italian diplomat who had double-crossed the French
Eustache Dauger, a valet whose crime, if any, is unknown

Why he might be annoying:

Despite the name, his mask was actually black velvet.
A bogus iron mask said to be his was put on display during the 19th century, and can still be seen at a museum in Langres.
The popular notion that he was really the king's twin brother (or in some versions, illegitimate half brother) is regarded by most historians as utter bs.
The royal twin theory inspired a bad movie featuring a Golden Raspberry Award winning dual role by Leonardo DiCaprio.

Why he might not be annoying:

Historian John Noone suggested the mask was a publicity ploy by jailer Benigne de Saint-Mars to increase the perceived importance of the prisoner and, thus, of Saint-Mars.
He became a popular symbol of the tyranny of the French monarchy.
He inspired a popular 'Three Musketeers' sequel by Alexander Dumas, pere.

Credit: C. Fishel

Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

• Buddy! Dude! Man! Guy!
• C. Fishel's Profiles [Series 15]
• Don't Look at Me, I'm Hiding
• I Died in Jail
• Metal Names
• Profiles 24251-24500 (Ranked: 24270)

Year In Review:

For 2024, as of last weekly ranking, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
In 2023, Out of 2 Votes: 0% Annoying
In 2022, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2021, Out of 15 Votes: 73.33% Annoying
In 2020, Out of 11 Votes: 36.36% Annoying
In 2019, Out of 6 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2017, Out of 3 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
In 2016, Out of 7 Votes: 71.43% Annoying
In 2015, Out of 9 Votes: 55.56% Annoying
In 2014, Out of 18 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2013, Out of 26 Votes: 34.62% Annoying
In 2012, Out of 11 Votes: 72.73% Annoying
In 2011, Out of 6 Votes: 16.67% Annoying
In 2010, Out of 30 Votes: 40.0% Annoying
In 2009, Out of 31 Votes: 61.29% Annoying
In 2008, Out of 14 Votes: 42.86% Annoying