William Shakespeare was born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. He attended the local grammar school and left Stratford in 1584 to travel to London, where he began his career in the theater. Shakespeare went on to become a shareholder and playwright for the Lord Chamberlain's Men theater company. Some of his most famous works include the tragedies Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet, as well as many acclaimed comedies. Shakespeare helped to establish the global popularity of theater through his mastery of language, characterization, and dramatic storytelling.