A Short Biography about William Shakespeare

Welcome to our short biography about William Shakespeare! This is a great place to learn the basics about Shakespeare's life. At the end of the article we take a look at Shakespeare's impact on modern fashion, art and music. We also point you to some further essential reading on Shakespeare if you are still thirsty for more.

Early Life of William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in April 1564. Although the exact date of his birth remains uncertain, it is traditionally celebrated on April 23, which is also the date of his death in 1616. Shakespeare was the third of eight children born to John Shakespeare, a glove maker and local businessman, and Mary Arden, a member of the local gentry.

Shakespeare’s Birthplace and childhood home in Stratford-upon-Avon

Shakespeare likely attended the King's New School in Stratford, where he would have received a solid education in Latin grammar and literature, laying the foundation for his future literary pursuits.

William Shakespeare's Family Life: A Short Biography Snapshot

At the age of 18, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, who was eight years his senior. The couple had three children: Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith. Tragically, Hamnet died at the age of 11, a loss that some speculate influenced Shakespeare's later works, particularly his tragedies.

Shakespeare's Rise in London Theatre: A Short Biography Account

By the late 1580s, Shakespeare had moved to London, where he began to make a name for himself as an actor and playwright. He was associated with several theatre companies, including the Lord Chamberlain's Men, which later became the King's Men under King James I. Shakespeare's prolific output included 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and several narrative poems, spanning genres from comedy and history to tragedy.

Iconic Works of William Shakespeare: A Short Biography Overview

Shakespeare's notable works include:

Comedies: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Twelfth Night, and Much Ado About Nothing showcase Shakespeare's wit and mastery of comedic timing.
Histories: Henry V and Richard III reflect his deep interest in English history and political power.
Tragedies: Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth are often cited as some of the greatest works in the English language, exploring complex themes of ambition, jealousy, and human frailty.

Picture showing one of the First Folios.Features as the second photo in this short biography about william shakespeare.

In 2022 a copy of Shakespeare's First Folio sold for $2.4m in New York

Significant Milestones

1594: Shakespeare becomes a founding member of the Lord Chamberlain's Men (Shakespeare Documented).
1599: The Globe Theatre is built, and Shakespeare becomes a shareholder (Royal Shakespeare Company).
1603: The Lord Chamberlain's Men become the King's Men after King James I ascends the throne (National Archives).
1609: Shakespeare's sonnets are published.
1613: The Globe Theatre burns down during a performance of Henry VIII.
1616: Shakespeare dies on April 23 and is buried in the chancel of Holy Trinity Church in Stratford (Shakespeare Birthplace Trust).

Globe Theatre taken at night from the Thames river. Features as the third photo in this short biography about william shakespeare.

The Globe Theatre can be found on London's Southbank, close to the Millennium Bridge

Shakespeare's Final Chapter: A Short Biography Conclusion

Shakespeare retired to Stratford-upon-Avon around 1613, where he lived comfortably thanks to his considerable earnings from his plays and investments. He died on April 23, 1616, and was buried in the chancel of Holy Trinity Church in Stratford.

Shakespeare's grave features a curse to deter grave robbers: "Good friend for Jesus sake forbeare, To dig the dust enclosed here. Blessed be the man that spares these stones, And cursed be he that moves my bones." Shakespeare likely penned this warning himself, fearing the common practice of grave disturbances. Remarkably, a 2016 scan revealed that his grave had been tampered with, and his skull was missing, possibly stolen in 1794. This eerie curse remains a testament to Shakespeare's dramatic flair even in death. Read more in the article about Shakespeare's grave curse.

Photo of Shakespeare's Grave. Features as the final photo in this short biography about william shakespeare.

Shakespeare's Curse, "Good friend for Jesus sake forbeare, To dig the dust enclosed here. Blessed be the man that spares these stones, And cursed be he that moves my bones."

Enduring Legacy of William Shakespeare: A Short Biography Tribute

Shakespeare's influence extends far beyond his lifetime. His works have been translated into every major language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. The Bard's keen understanding of human nature, combined with his poetic prowess, ensures that his works remain relevant and revered. According to the Folger Shakespeare Library, "Shakespeare’s plays have an enduring power, creating a lasting impact on audiences around the world".

Shakespeare in Pop Culture: From Silver Screen to Fashion Runways

Movies and TV

Romeo + Juliet (1996) – Directed by Baz Luhrmann, this modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic play features Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.
The Tragedy of Macbeth (1971) – Roman Polanski’s adaptation brings a dark and gritty portrayal of Macbeth to life.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999) – A modern retelling of “The Taming of the Shrew,” this teen comedy stars Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles.
Much Ado About Nothing (1993) – Kenneth Branagh directs and stars in this charming adaptation alongside Emma Thompson and Denzel Washington.
The Lion King (1994) – Loosely based on “Hamlet,” this beloved Disney animated film features a timeless story of betrayal and redemption.
Chimes at Midnight (1965) – Orson Welles’ innovative adaptation combines elements from several of Shakespeare’s plays to focus on the character of Falstaff.
O (2001) – A modern adaptation of “Othello” set in an American high school, starring Mekhi Phifer and Julia Stiles.
The Hollow Crown (2012-2016) – A British TV series that adapts several of Shakespeare’s history plays, featuring an all-star cast including Ben Whishaw, Jeremy Irons, and Tom Hiddleston.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1999) – A star-studded adaptation of Shakespeare’s magical comedy, featuring Michelle Pfeiffer, Kevin Kline, and Stanley Tucci.
Dead Poets Society (1989) – While not a direct adaptation, this film heavily references Shakespeare and demonstrates the impact of his work on literature and education.

Fashion and Art

Shakespeare’s influence extends beyond the screen to fashion and art. His works have inspired countless fashion designers and artists to create collections and pieces that reflect the themes and characters of his plays. For example:

Shakespeare-Inspired Fashion Collections – Designers like Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood have created collections inspired by Shakespearean themes and characters.
Shakespeare in Visual Art – An article showcasing numerous works of art inspired by Shakespeare’s plays and characters.
Modern Designers Channeling Shakespearean Flair – This piece discusses how modern designers incorporate Shakespearean elements into their designs.
Gender-Free Fashion Inspired by Shakespeare – Exploring the impact of Shakespeare on gender-free fashion.
Shakespeare in Modern Music – From classical compositions to modern songs, this article explores Shakespeare’s influence on music.
Classical Music Inspired by Shakespeare – An overview of classical music pieces inspired by Shakespeare’s works.

Interesting Facts About Shakespeare

Shakespeare introduced over 1,700 words to the English language, including "assassination," "bump," and "eyeball."
He wrote most of his plays in the Globe Theatre, which could hold up to 3,000 spectators.
Shakespeare's works are the second most quoted after the Bible.
He acted in many of his own plays, often playing minor roles.
Shakespeare's wife, Anne Hathaway, was eight years older than him.