Actors & Entertainers · Renaissance
William Shakespeare’s Last Words
“Unknown — no reliable account of his final words survives.”— William Shakespeare, April 23, 1616
Who Was William Shakespeare?
William Shakespeare is the greatest writer in the English language. His 37 plays including Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet have been performed more than those of any other playwright.
The Final Moments
Shakespeare died at his home in Stratford-upon-Avon on his 52nd birthday. The cause of his death is unknown but some accounts mention a drinking bout with Ben Jonson and Michael Drayton.
Are These Words Verified?
No contemporary accounts of his death or last words exist. The assessment that they are unknown is correct and well-supported by Shakespeare scholars.
Sources
- archive Parish register of Holy Trinity Church, Stratford
- archive Shakespeare's last will and testament
- academic Samuel Schoenbaum's Shakespeare: A Documentary Life
Legacy
Shakespeare invented over 1,700 words and phrases still used today. His works have been translated into every major language and performed continuously for over 400 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were William Shakespeare’s last words?
“Unknown — no reliable account of his final words survives.”
How did William Shakespeare die?
William Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616 at the age of 52. Cause of death: Unknown (possibly typhoid fever).
Were William Shakespeare’s last words documented?
No contemporary accounts of his death or last words exist. The assessment that they are unknown is correct and well-supported by Shakespeare scholars.