William Shakespeare, the Bard of Avon, was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564. He rose to prominence in London as a playwright, poet, and actor, becoming a leading figure in the Lord Chamberlain's Men, later the King's Men. His prolific output, including iconic plays like "Hamlet," "Macbeth," and "Romeo and Juliet," and his 154 sonnets, cemented his reputation as the greatest writer in the English language. He married Anne Hathaway and fathered three children. Shakespeare died in 1616, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence literature and theatre worldwide.More