17th-century English male actors

William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon" or simply "the Bard". His extant works, including collaborations, consist of some 39 plays, 154 sonnets, three long narrative poems and a few other verses, some of uncertain authorship. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. Shakespeare remains arguably the most influential writer in the English language, and his works continue to be studied and reinterpreted.

British actor and theatre owner (1567–1619)

British poet laureate (1671–1757)

16th/17th-century English playwright, actor, and author (1574–1641)

English actor (1566–1626)

English Jacobean dramatist (1585-1626)

English actor

British actor (1587-1620)

member of the Lord Chamberlain's Men, a Shakespearean actor

British actor (1635-1710)

British actor (1640–1706)

English actor and dancer

English actor in the King's Men

16th/17th-century English playing company

British actor and theatre impresario (1579–1638)

17th-century English acting troupe