William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. Often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon," Shakespeare's extant works include approximately 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and several long narrative poems. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.
Born and raised in Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare began a successful career in London as an actor, writer, and part-owner of the Lord Chamberlain's Men, later known as the King's Men. He wrote primarily comedies and histories early in his career, followed by tragedies such as Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth. In his final phase, he wrote tragicomedies, also known as romances, and collaborated with other playwrights. Shakespeare is considered a literary giant whose works continue to be studied, performed, and reinterpreted in diverse cultural contexts worldwide.