Final answer:
William Shakespeare, baptized on April 26, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, was an important figure in English literature and theater, dividing his life between Stratford and London. Despite limited records from his time, we know he was a renowned playwright and actor and the eldest surviving child of his parents, and his work remains relevant today.
Step-by-step explanation:
Biographical Details of William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was baptized on April 26, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, and is assumed to have been born a few days earlier. His life's work mainly revolved around Stratford, where he grew up and had a family, and London, the nexus of English theater. Shakespeare was a prolific writer, actor, and shareholder in the leading acting company of his time. He was known for his many roles within the London theater community as an actor and a playwright. He had multiple siblings and was the eldest surviving child of John and Mary Shakespeare.
Although much about his life remains a mystery due to the scarcity of records, significant events such as the publication of 'Venus and Adonis' in 1593 and his recognition as an accomplished playwright by 1592 are well-documented. Works like Henry VI, Part 3, among his early plays, were already being performed during these earlier years of his career. Shakespeare's ability to capture the human experience has made his work timeless, resonating even with modern audiences and sometimes compared to contemporary genres like hip-hop.
Throughout his career, Shakespeare climbed the ranks to prosperity and notability in the English theatrical scene, leaving a legacy that continues to be celebrated and studied over four centuries later.