William Shakespeare┬а(1564тАУ1616)┬аwas a┬аpoet,┬аplaywright, and actor who is widely regarded as one of the most┬аinfluential writers in the history of the English language. Often referred to as the Bard of Avon, Shakespeare's vast body of work includes┬аcomedic, tragic, and historical plays;┬аpoems; and 154 sonnets.┬аHis dramatic works have been translated into every major language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.