Who wrote the comedy The Barber of Seville which inspired opera?

The comedy "The Barber of Seville" (original title: Le Barbier de Séville) was written by the French dramatist Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais. It was first performed in Paris in 1775 and became an instant success. The play tells the story of Figaro, a barber and jack-of-all-trades, who helps Count Almaviva win the love of Rosina, a beautiful young woman who is being held prisoner by her guardian, Dr. Bartolo.

The play's success led to several adaptations, including an opera by Gioachino Rossini. Rossini's opera, titled "The Barber of Seville" (original title: Il barbiere di Siviglia), premiered in Rome in 1816 and is one of the most popular operas in the world.