William Shakespeare
1564 – 1616 · England
Known for: Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, Sonnets, Inventor of words
“All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players”
Biography
William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, he married Anne Hathaway at age 18 and had three children. Between 1585 and 1592, he began a successful career in London as an actor, writer, and part-owner of a playing company called the Lord Chamberlain's Men, later known as the King's Men. Shakespeare produced most of his known works between 1589 and 1613, writing approximately 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and several narrative poems. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. His works explore themes of love, jealousy, ambition, betrayal, revenge, and the human condition with unparalleled depth and beauty. Masterpieces like "Hamlet," "Romeo and Juliet," "Macbeth," "Othello," and "King Lear" continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Shakespeare invented over 1,700 words and phrases that are still used in English today, including "eyeball," "addiction," "lonely," and "assassination." His influence extends beyond literature to psychology, philosophy, and popular culture. Despite his fame, much of his personal life remains a mystery, leading to centuries of speculation and scholarly debate. He retired to Stratford around 1613 and died three years later at age 52.