William Shakespeare

Date of Birth: April 23, 1564

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: April 23, 1616

Biography

William Shakespeare, often hailed as the greatest playwright in the English language, was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. His exact birthdate is not recorded, but he was baptized on April 26, 1564, and traditionally his birthdate is celebrated on April 23, 1564. He was the son of John Shakespeare, an alderman and a successful glover originally from Snitterfield, and Mary Arden, a daughter of the gentry. Shakespeare’s works, including collaborations, consist of approximately 39 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and a few other verses, some of uncertain authorship. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway at the age of 18, and the couple had three children: Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith. He spent most of his career in London, where he was both a writer and an actor. He was a managing partner in the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, a playing company later known as the King’s Men. Shakespeare’s early works were primarily comedies and histories, genres he raised to the peak of sophistication and artistry by the end of the 16th century. In his later works, he wrote mainly tragedies, including “Hamlet,” “Othello,” “King Lear,” and “Macbeth,” considered some of the finest works in the English language. Shakespeare retired to Stratford around 1613, where he died three years later. He is buried in the chancel of the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon.

5 Interesting Facts about William Shakespeare

1. Shakespeare is often referred to as England’s national poet and the “Bard of Avon.”

2. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.

3. The Globe Theatre, associated with Shakespeare, was built in 1599 by Shakespeare’s playing company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men.

4. Shakespeare introduced over 1,700 words to the English language.

5. His surviving works, including some collaborations, consist of approximately 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and two long narrative poems.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Shakespeare

1. “To be, or not to be, that is the question.”

2. “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.”

3. “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”

4. “The course of true love never did run smooth.”

5. “A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As it is difficult to accurately measure historical figures’ net worth, estimates place Shakespeare’s peak net worth in the region of £2,000, which would be equivalent to several million pounds today, considering inflation and the value of his works.

Children

William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway had three children: 1. Susanna Hall (born May 26, 1583) 2. Hamnet Shakespeare (born January 1585 – died August 1596) 3. Judith Quiney (born January 1585)