William Shakespeare, born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, was an English playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's greatest dramatist. Shakespeare's works include 39 plays, 154 sonnets, three long narrative poems, and a few other verses. His plays, such as Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth, are considered masterpieces and have had a lasting impact on literature and theater.