William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and actor widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564, he married Anne Hathaway at 18 and had three children. He moved to London, where he became a prominent actor and playwright, co-founding the Lord Chamberlain’s Men acting company, which later built the Globe Theatre. Shakespeare retired to Stratford and died there on April 23, 1616, at age 52.
Early life and family
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Born:Likely April 23, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. His baptism was on April 26, 1564.
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Parents:John Shakespeare and Mary Arden. His father was a successful glove maker and local official.
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Education:He probably attended the King’s New School in Stratford, where he learned Latin.
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Marriage:At 18, he married Anne Hathaway, who was eight years his senior. They had three children: Susanna, and twins Judith and Hamnet.
Career in London
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Move to London:Shakespeare moved to London around 1585 and began working as an actor and playwright.
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Acting company:He became a leading member of the acting company Lord Chamberlain’s Men, later known as the King’s Men, and was a shareholder in the company.
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The Globe Theatre:In 1599, Shakespeare and other members of the company built the Globe Theatre.
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Plague years:During periods when London’s theaters were closed due to the plague, Shakespeare wrote poetry, including his famous collection of 154 sonnets.
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Writing career:He wrote 39 plays and 154 sonnets that are still known today, including comedies, tragedies, and histories.
Later life and legacy
- Retirement: Shakespeare retired to his hometown of Stratford around 1610.
- Death: He died on April 23, 1616, at the age of 52.
- Legacy: Shakespeare is considered the world’s greatest dramatist, and his plays continue to be performed, translated, and adapted into other media globally.
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