William Shakespeare, the English playwright, poet, and actor, was born on April 23, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon. His work, encompassing tragedies, comedies, and histories, would transcend the boundaries of time and culture, earning him the title of the greatest writer in the English language. Shakespeare’s profound insights into the human condition, coupled with his mastery of language and storytelling, have left an indelible mark on literature and the arts, celebrated and revered across the globe.