William Shakespeare (1564-1616) is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language. He was a playwright, poet, and actor, known for his remarkable contributions to literature. He was born on April 23, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. Shakespeare's early life in Stratford-upon-Avon was marked by a solid education, likely at the local grammar school. At 18, he married Anne Hathaway, and they had three children: Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith. By the early 1590s, Shakespeare had moved to London, where he began a successful career as a playwright and actor. He was a key member of the Lord Chamberlain's Men, later known as the King's Men, a leading theatre company of the time. Over his career, he wrote 38 plays, including famous works like "Hamlet," "Othello," "King Lear," and "Macbeth," as well as 154 sonnets and two long narrative poems. Shakespeare's plays are celebrated for their complex characters, intricate plots, and profound themes, which continue to resonate with audiences today. His work has been translated into numerous languages and adapted into countless films, books, and other media. Shakespeare retired to Stratford-upon-Avon around 1613 and died on April 23, 1616. He was buried in the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford.