William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon". His extant works, including collaborations, consist of some 39 plays, 154 sonnets, three 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 remains arguably the most influential writer in the English language, and his works continue to be studied and reinterpreted.

23 April 1564

Born on the same birth day (23 April): Afonso II of Portugal • Alexandra Kosteniuk • Arnold Alexander Hall • Carolina Alves (tennis) • Claude Julien (ice hockey) • Félix Vicq-d'Azyr • Janet Blair • Johann Stumpf (writer) • Matt Freeman • Pierre Labrie • Victoria Glendinning • Warren Spahn

Born in the same month (April 1564): Henry Percy, 9th Earl of Northumberland