The Most Famous Playwright, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the playwright you think is the most famous!
Updated on Apr 22, 2024 08:18
In the bustling world of theatre, the voices behind the curtain craft stories that transcend time and culture, shaping not just entertainment, but our understanding of humanity itself. Identifying the most influential playwrights provides insight into the narratives that resonate most deeply across different societies and historical epochs. This ranking helps highlight those storytellers who have profoundly impacted the arts.
By participating in voting, you contribute to a living, community-driven census of artistic merit that extends beyond personal taste to collective value. Every vote is a recognition of genius, an acknowledgment of cultural significance, and a way to spark discussion about the craft of playwrighting. This dynamic scorecard not only guides newcomers to foundational works but also stirs seasoned theatre lovers to debate and reconsider the cannon.
Who Is the Most Famous Playwright?
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168votes
Attributed to John Taylor · Public domainHe is widely considered to be the greatest playwright in history, with works such as Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and Macbeth.William Shakespeare in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous English playwright
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous author of all time
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous author of sonnets in history
- Position 3 of 10 in Most talented boy in the world
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous Taurus
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous father
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231votes
Orlando Fernandez, World Telegram staff photographer · Public domainHe is known for his plays A Streetcar Named Desire and The Glass Menagerie, which are considered classics of American theater.Tennessee Williams in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous person buried in New Orleans
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321votes
U.S. State Department · Public domainArthur Miller
Arthur MillerHis plays, including Death of a Salesman and The Crucible, examine the darker side of the American Dream and have become staples of modern theater.Arthur Miller is a renowned American playwright and essayist. He is best known for his realistic and psychological dramas that explore various themes such as human morality, the American Dream, and the complexities of family dynamics. Miller's works often comment on social issues and are characterized by their strong character development and thought-provoking narratives.- Genre: Drama
- Nationality: American
- Famous Works: Death of a Salesman, The Crucible, All My Sons
- Writing Style: Realism
- Themes: Morality, American Dream, Family Dynamics
Arthur Miller in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular Arthur
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417votes
Roger Pic · Public domainHe is known for his avant-garde plays, including Waiting for Godot, which challenge traditional theatrical conventions and explore the human condition.Samuel Beckett in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous author in Ireland
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous misanthrope
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous person in Dublin
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous Irishman
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous Irish poet
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous person in Northern Ireland
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57votesHe is known for his cycle of plays, including Fences and The Piano Lesson, which explore the African American experience in America.
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67votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domainHe is known for his plays, including The Seagull and Uncle Vanya, which examine the complexities of human relationships and the struggles of everyday life.Anton Chekhov in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous short story writer
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Russian author
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714votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domainHe is known for his plays, including Pygmalion and Man and Superman, which use comedy and satire to examine social issues and the human condition.George Bernard Shaw in other rankings- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous English playwright
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous person from Hertfordshire
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous George
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813votes
Carl Van Vechten · Public domainHis plays, including Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and The Zoo Story, are known for their provocative themes and examination of the human psyche. -
99votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domainShe is known for her play A Raisin in the Sun, which explores the experiences of African Americans living in Chicago during the 1950s. -
108votes
Henrik Olrik (1830-1890) · Public domainHe is known for his plays, including A Doll's House and Hedda Gabler, which examine the roles of women in society and challenge traditional gender roles.Henrik Ibsen in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Norwegian
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Ranking factors for famous playwright
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Impact and InfluenceConsider the playwright's overall impact on the field and their ability to influence future generations of playwrights. Look at their contribution to the development of dramatic techniques, themes, and storytelling.
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Popularity and recognitionEvaluate the playwright's popularity and recognition both during their lifetime and in the years since. Look at the success of their plays, number of productions, and the longevity of their work.
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Critical acclaimAssess the critical reception of the playwright's work. Consider awards, reviews, and assessments by scholars and experts in the field. Take note of their ability to engage audiences and their lasting reputation.
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Cultural significanceExamine the playwright's cultural significance and their ability to reflect social, political, or historical contexts. Consider their ability to capture universal themes and resonate with diverse audiences across different cultures and time periods.
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Legacy and lasting impactConsider the lasting legacy of the playwright's work. Analyze their influence on subsequent playwrights, the number of revivals and adaptations of their plays, and their continued relevance in contemporary theater and literature.
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Body of workEvaluate the size and quality of the playwright's body of work. Consider the number of plays they have written, the diversity of themes and genres they have explored, and the consistency of their artistic vision.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous playwright. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Playwright is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1782 views
- 194 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Playwright once every 24 hours. The rank of each Playwright is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most famous playwright
Background Information: Who is the Most Famous Playwright?
Playwrights have been captivating audiences for centuries with their exceptional storytelling skills, and their works have become an integral part of the theatrical world. From ancient Greece to modern-day Broadway, the world has seen many talented playwrights who have left an indelible mark on the art form.
When it comes to identifying the most famous playwright of all time, there are several contenders. However, one name that stands out is William Shakespeare. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in 1564, Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest playwright in the English language.
Shakespeare's works, such as Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and Hamlet, are still performed today and have been translated into numerous languages. His plays are known for their timeless themes, unforgettable characters, and beautiful language, making them a staple of the theatrical world.
Shakespeare's influence on the world of literature, language, and culture cannot be overstated. His plays have been adapted into movies, television shows, and even operas. His words and phrases have become part of the English language, and his impact on the world of theater is immeasurable.
While there have been many great playwrights throughout history, William Shakespeare remains the most famous, with his works continuing to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
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