Although his father was a stove fitter, one of his brothers, Léonard, played leading roles at the Théâtre des Variétés, and his sister, née Regnier de la Brière, performed tragedies at the Comédie-Française.

Alcide began in 1825 in small theaters, playing young handsome men.

Such parts did not correspond to his appearance, which included a long nose and pockmarked face, so he quickly turned to comic roles.

His burlesque attitude and foolish, languishing look did wonders in grotesque or stupid parts.

He also knew how to sound comic with a speedy and unclear voice or by singing in a way that seemed a challenge to the ears.