William Shakespeare
- Born:
- Baptised April 26, 1564, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England
- Died:
- April 23, 1616, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England
- Nationality:
- English
- Profession(s):
- Playwright, Poet, Actor
Early Life and Education
- Son of John Shakespeare, a glover and local politician, and Mary Arden.
- Likely attended Stratford Grammar School, receiving a classical education with a focus on Latin grammar and literature.
- Limited documented evidence exists regarding his early life and education.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his theatrical career in London, likely by the early 1590s.
- Became a shareholder in the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later the King's Men), a leading acting company.
- Wrote approximately 39 plays, including tragedies, comedies, and histories.
- Co-owned the Globe Theatre.
Notable Works
- Tragedies: Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet.
- Comedies: A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Taming of the Shrew, Twelfth Night, As You Like It.
- Histories: Richard III, Henry IV, Part 1, Henry V.
- Sonnets: 154 sonnets published in 1609.
Legacy and Impact
William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's greatest dramatist. His plays are performed more often than those of any other playwright, and his influence on English literature and the English language is profound. This short biography shakespeare william briefly outlines his extraordinary life.