William Shakespeare is perhaps the most famous writer of all time. His plays and sonnets have shaped literature and are still read and performed all over the world. But how well do you know the man behind Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet? Here are 20 fascinating facts about William Shakespeare, from his mysterious life to his lasting influence on language and culture.
1. His exact birthdate is unknown
Shakespeare was baptized on April 26, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. Since babies were usually baptized three days after birth, it is assumed he was born on April 23, 1564. Coincidentally, he died on that exact date in 1616.
2. He wrote at least 39 plays
Shakespeare wrote at least 39 plays, divided into three genres:
- Tragedies (Macbeth, Othello, Hamlet)
- Comedies (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, Twelfth Night)
- Histories (Henry V, Richard III, Julius Caesar)
Some works are partially lost or attributed to him, so the exact number remains debatable.
3. He introduced over 1,700 words into the English language
Shakespeare had a massive impact on English. He invented hundreds of new words still in use today, such as assassination, lonely, bedroom, and swagger.
4. He likely never attended university
Although Shakespeare attended the King’s New School in Stratford, he likely never went to university. This has fueled speculation about how he wrote such intellectual works without formal higher education.
5. His marriage to Anne Hathaway was unusual
At 18 years old, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, who was eight years older and already pregnant. They had three children: Susanna, Hamnet, and Judith.
6. His son Hamnet died young
Shakespeare’s only son Hamnet died at the age of 11 from unknown causes. Many scholars believe this loss influenced his work, especially Hamlet, written a few years later.
7. He disappeared from historical records for seven years
Between 1585 and 1592, there are no official records of Shakespeare’s life. This period is known as the “Lost Years”. Theories suggest he may have worked as a teacher, soldier, or actor.
8. He became a successful actor and playwright in London
By 1592, Shakespeare had gained fame as a playwright and actor in London. He likely performed in his own plays and became a key member of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, later renamed The King’s Men.
9. He co-owned the Globe Theatre
In 1599, the famous Globe Theatre was built in London, where many of his plays were performed. Shakespeare was one of the shareholders and earned substantial income from it.
10. His plays were not immediately published
During his lifetime, his plays were not officially published. It wasn’t until 1623, seven years after his death, that his friends John Heminges and Henry Condell compiled the First Folio, containing 36 of his plays.
11. Some believe he didn’t write his own plays
Some claim Shakespeare’s works were written by others, such as Francis Bacon, Christopher Marlowe, or Edward de Vere. However, there is no solid evidence supporting these theories.
12. He often used cross-dressing in his plays
Shakespeare loved playing with gender roles. In plays like Twelfth Night and As You Like It, female characters dress as men, leading to comedic and dramatic tension.
13. His works influenced countless films and pop culture
Shakespeare’s stories still permeate modern culture. Films like The Lion King are based on Hamlet, and West Side Story is a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet.
14. His influence spans music and art
From classical composers like Verdi (Otello) and Tchaikovsky (Romeo and Juliet) to modern artists like Taylor Swift, Shakespeare’s work continues to inspire.
15. He was once called an “upstart crow”
The earliest reference to Shakespeare came in a critical letter from playwright Robert Greene in 1592. Greene called him an “upstart crow,” implying Shakespeare was a fraud posing as a real writer.
16. He also wrote poetry
Besides plays, Shakespeare wrote 154 sonnets and several longer poems like Venus and Adonis. His sonnets are still considered among the finest poems ever written.
17. His grave bears a mysterious curse
Shakespeare’s grave at the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford bears a cryptic inscription that curses anyone who moves his bones:
“Blest be the man that spares these stones,
And cursed be he that moves my bones.”
To this day, his grave remains untouched.
18. He died under mysterious circumstances
Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616, at 52 years old. The exact cause is unknown, but one theory is that he died of fever after a night of drinking with friends.
19. Many of his expressions are still used today
Shakespeare coined many phrases still in use in modern English, such as:
- “Break the ice” (The Taming of the Shrew)
- “Wild-goose chase” (Romeo and Juliet)
- “Wear my heart upon my sleeve” (Othello)
20. He remains one of the most-performed playwrights ever
Over 400 years after his death, Shakespeare’s plays are still performed around the world. From Broadway to small local theatres, his influence is as strong as ever.
William Shakespeare was a mysterious, brilliant, and influential figure whose work transformed literature and language. Whether you’re a theatre lover or simply a fan of great storytelling, his legacy continues to live on.
