William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's preeminent dramatist. His works, including tragedies such as "Hamlet," "Othello," and "King Lear," comedies like "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and historical plays like "Henry V," have had a profound influence on literature, theatre, and the arts for centuries.