Shakespeare: What Did He Really Look Like? | Face & History Revealed | Royalty Now

[@jennifermcdonald5432]

I’ve been binge watching these for about 3-4 hours, and I can’t tell you how wonderful I’ve found them! You have changed distant historical figures, into real life human beings that I can relate to, feel real pity for, share the feelings I believe they felt! I know this sounds very ordinary, but it has honestly changed the way I view history and the people from it! Thank you!

[@Lezeroth]

Hehehe. Same here. I really enjoy those videos.

[@urstruly4993]

yeah, we often get desensitized to historical figures seeing as the only proof we have of them are paintings and drawings, etc.

[@internetstorage]

nah me too, im playing this in the background as i do my history homework 😪☝🏼

[@Nadia_956Villarreal]

I'm Obsessed! 💯 I just found the channel yesterday and I have seen about 8 videos already

[@rnkim2564]

excellent storytelling talent with relevant and very interesting facts... excellent visuals and writing, editing and delivery... and I love at the end that the subject is reconstructed visually in a VERY well thought out way with the explanation of how and why ... these little vignettes are SO well done and even with delivery of facts the storyteller brings the viewer into the subject's life in a special way that helps me to understand and have empathy and kinship for a person long gone... these are VERY well done and without cheap graphics or sordid details or conjecture and yet, still touches on rumors and speculation that occurs with famous people. excellent quality and very entertaining

[@abbieb8130]

My favorite part is usually the modern recreation. It makes him seem more familiar, like we could bump into this guy at a university and have an interesting conversation.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

William Shakespeare is a fascinating figure because (as you mentioned already) there’s very little material on his life so a lot of us can project ourselves on to him. Also, people think his English is archaic and too posh for us now but his language was the most accessible yet poetic way of putting things across.

[@timtaylor1365]

Very well thought out and authentic, based on what we know. It's s quite possible that Shakespeare travelled abroad 1585-1592 which is where he picked up Italian, Venetian and Genoese knowledge mentioned in his plays and explains why there is no record of him in England during that period

[@Jeffhowardmeade]

He got so many things about Italy wrong that there is little chance he actually saw the place. He has a character in Verona rushing to catch the tide. Shakespeare was obviously thinking of the Thames, where the tide carried boats in and out every day. The Adige not only isn't tidal, the whole of the Mediterranean has no tides to speak of.

[@fgb3126]

anything is "possible" and if Shakespeare MUST BE the Strafordian then yeah. I would point out, just for the sake of balance that such travel was quite expensive and it basically bankrupted Edward de Vere. But his attitude was, 'well what's money for if you can't use it for Adventure?'. Still just using Occam's Razor and considering the simplest explanation of something: let us be objective. We have one fella who we have NO information about for such travel, and we have another fella that we have volumes of stuff about his travels during this time. Which would you consider best suited?

[@Jeffhowardmeade]

@@fgb3126 Logically, one cannot isolate just a single type of evidence and ignore the rest, but oh well. If we're judging solely by what Shakespeare got right and wrong about Italy, then Occam sides with Shakespeare. Aside from some generally known facts, like there being a university in Padua (many Englishmen studied there), and a church named St. Peter's (which every city in Christendom has) he gets everything wrong, especially about geography and the nobility. De Vere's travels in Italy don't make him more likely to have written the works of Shakespeare. They rule him out.

[@mark.J6708]

Shakespeare was traveling, but do we know where?

[@BarbaraGarlock-w4v]

I have read of that possibility because there is nothing recorded of him being in England. If he considered himself a serious playwright, I would think that is what he would do. He did not come from poverty being of lower nobility. Thank you for your work.

[@allisonmerkle4353]

I love this! When I look at your modern recreation, I feel like I actually could be looking at Shakespeare, and that we can infer so much about him from his face. I also love that the modern interpretation looks like he could be a professor of Shakespeare at a prestigious university.

[@RoyaltyNowStudios]

Thank you! That’s what I thought about the modern one too - kind of a pompous professor vibe that I liked.

[@ChristChickAutistic]

First thing I thought too, university professor, lol!

[@rubycelica]

you just have the most pleasant voice EVER, i could listen to you reading recipe cards!:) and as usual your work is on point, thank you very much for your efforts!

[@RoyaltyNowStudios]

Aw thank you :) I'm glad you think so

[@jpkatz1435]

All thumbs up!

[@Benni777]

As a theatre and history nerd, this highly intrigued me! 😍

[@charleendavis8171]

Since the pandemic my life has suffered many setbacks. Watching your wonderful recreations and historical lessons has become the highlight of my evenings. My kids and I look forward to them at the end of our day and even though they are quite young I feel they are learning quite a lot. So thank you very much for your inspiration 😊

[@RoyaltyNowStudios]

Wow. This means so much. Thank you so much for your kind words.

[@rotapp7268]

The magic feeling of looking at these historical characters face to face is just amazing.

[@awalden]

Where does one begin? There's so much to LOVE about this beautiful video. Watching this made my heart beat a little faster... and I felt goosebumps on my arms and neck for the reveal. Splendid! I'm envious of your skills and talent... we are so fortunate that you share them with us! 💖

[@brendareiber9002]

Thank you for making Shakespeare’s eyes come alive. Looking at your re-creation, the eyes remind me of my oldest brother, who has passed away. Once you added AI there was a light in the eyes for a split second reminded me of my brother's large eyes.

[@sarahm5936]

This series is incredibly moving. Thank you so much for presenting Shakespeare.

[@yyunqu6n]

I simply love your videos. Found your channel and binge watch them in one day. Amazing work!✨

[@RoyaltyNowStudios]

Thank you so much! Welcome to the channel!

[@kingfisher9725]

Same 🙂

[@MysteryScoop]

Your channel has evolved so much... this is beautiful work! Guys, this is amazing stuff! Well done! Keep them coming!

[@RoyaltyNowStudios]

Thank you!!

[@andrika1990]

he is absolutely one of my favorite literary authors of all time! The recreation of him reminds me of Tim Burton a bit? Or is it just my eyes. Anyway i do think some of the portraits that are presumed to be him share vague similarity! I do think that the Chandos portrait could have been close to his likeness its the way i've always imagined him. I think his appearance is not far from these artistic interepretations however portraits can be different from photographs because they cannot capture a person aging each decade. Anyway I love awaiting to see what historical figures you will recreate next. I do have a suggestion I made it on an older video I would love to see a recreation of Tecumseh. I do often wonder what portraits out there might possibly be close to his likeness.

[@timothyjohnson6258]

This is a great narration, far better than 99% of all of the videos I have seen on youtube. The vocal inflection is perfect as can come only from someone who has taken the time to actually look at the words she is speaking beforehand. It adds a great deal of interest and enjoyment to the subject.

[@merrywalsh2809]

These recreations are a treatise on mortality. You give us the arc of a past life in all its fame or infamy, then let us be in the presence of that person. Always brings tears because you bring the good ones, or the wronged ones, back to life, but we know they are long gone from this earth.

[@theantaresian]

Your work is amazing and so believable, I always feel you have captured the essence of them all perfectly.

[@RoyaltyNowStudios]

Thank you so much 🥰

[@jeans7418]

Could you do a reconstruction of Florence Nightingale? She is one the historical figures that I respect greatly. Thank you!

[@voyaristika5673]

Yes!

[@marjorieroman9591]

Absolutely stunning portrait at 15:04 ! I love your work sooo much...I make portraits on carved leather and I did Shakespeare several times from the same source, so I'm used to see it but my heart litterally bumped at seeing your recreation from it... I thought I was really in front of Shakespeare himself as If I had jumped through times!!! Amazing!

[@RoyaltyNowStudios]

You are so sweet! Thank you! I was proud of my work on this one.

[@katesmyth4839]

Oh, that’s him.

[@kstormgeistgem461]

in many ways, he reminds me of another mysterious author... one closer to our own time... Edgar Allan Poe. they both have that air of sadness about them; that edge of knowing too much and having seen too much. they both have that touch of mystery where we Think we know a lot about them but do we _really._

[@isabelle7029]

I know hardly anything about history at all. These videos are so intriguing and make me feel excited about learning more about these famous historical figures! The 1500-1800’s are so incredibly fascinating to me!!

[@juliea2864]

Shakespeare's grammar school education was better than any education today. He read Latin and Greek authors in Latin and Greek. It is ridiculous to think Shakespeare didn't write his plays because of his "limited" education. Geniuses don't need a college degree to excel.

[@GastonMaqueda]

I love that you introduce the Modern lnterpretation now. Excellent job

[@flyme2themoon720]

This is an extraordinary channel.A channel that actually contributes to keeping history alive with a fresh a brand knew perspective..Hats off to the creators of this..

[@thevilonesfr]

Honestly the recreations are my favorite parts of your videos. It makes them feel real not someone I read in a book but real people who lived just like us.Thank you!

[@dianegron]

That modernized version took my breath away. Amazing job.

[@tritzispoosa]

Shakespeare was enigmatic. Great video and summary of his life.

[@thudar9]

I can't help but notice the resemblance between William Shakespeare and Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull. Perhaps it's the playful mischief in their eyes. Fantastic videos - my students are big fans of Royalty Now Studios.

[@71superbee39]

I've enjoyed these recreations immensely as well as the historical backdrops and always look forward to the next... A common theme throughout is one we all face...The hardships and tragedies of life... One however must always persevere...

[@mpgchgo]

Loved it! What a joy to see Shakespeare's face moving and smiling, and dressed in modern scholarly attire.

[@Licel1]

I love your modern interpretations, It makes It so much easier to imagine all those historical figures.

[@turminue]

Your channel is so high-quality compared to the size of it! Just found your channel yesterday and immediately subbed.

[@RoyaltyNowStudios]

You are so kind, thank you! And welcome to the channel!

[@martacheetham845]

I love all of these re-creation works of art and discovery. Shakespeare's likeness is so compelling and beautiful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and talent.

[@micharellano67]

How is it that he looks like a creep in his time bur looks very scholarly in the modern version? I'm enjoying your channel so much. I'm about 4 hours into a binge. Thank you for all the work into not just recreating their faces but telling their stories in such an amazing fashion

[@Theturtleowl]

The ponytail and turtleneck look works so well on Shakespeare.

[@pammccutcheon9648]

Your video was amazing as always. You set the bar very high for yourself and you always make it. And I'd love to work on William Shakespeare. Thank you for sharing it with all of us.

[@RoyaltyNowStudios]

Thank you! We so appreciate it!

[@rhonnykane8046]

I anxiously await news that an Amazon or Netflix series, that goes more in depth but still celebrates your artistry, is coming soon!

[@PennyT2024]

I just discovered your wonderful sites! I am so impressed by the quality of work you do, both with the recreations and the presentation of material. So now, I am addicted to Royalty Now Studios and want to watch everything you have worked on.

[@alyrios]

As someone who had to read Shakespeare in college, I'd had loved to see him as a modern playwright way back then.

[@karineanderson1670]

Would love to see you do a reconstruction of Michelangelo. I enjoy these shows greatly and have been forwarding them to my history loving friends. Than you so much ❤. The modern Shakespeare really is my favorite.

[@adelacoburn1396]

Oh, this one is beautiful, and I truly enjoyed this video, thank you for recreating Shakespeare and bring him to life as it were.

[@RoyaltyNowStudios]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@lisapilot2895]

I have watched most of your work but somehow missed this one. When I saw the modern interpretation of what S may have looked like, I was filled with emotion. Well done.

[@carolinesexplosion]

Absolutely love your history and especially your interpretation of their faces, love what yo have done for Shakespear! Thank you !

[@barbarataylor1535]

Again, many kudos for your work. I share the same birth date. I did not know that he died on the same date, Thank you again for the lesson, sincerely, Lady Barbara

[@RoyaltyNowStudios]

Thank you Barbara!!

[@vintagegal541]

Thank you RNS! I like your narration of the subjects that you choose for your channel. You are easy to understand and have a lovely speaking voice. I'm not a huge Shakespeare fan, but I do like a couple of his plays, especially "The Taming of the Shrew". I have been watching some of the Olivier film versions and Kenneth Branaugh as well. You asked for requests of future subjects for you channel. I would like to see one on Molly Brown, famous survivor of the HMS Titanic. I have not seen one on her and any of the history channels that I follow on KZbin. I think she would be quite delightful. Thank you!

[@Mandalaaxo]

It always amazes me how much more real they look when you see them as a "modern" person, outside their time.

[@BonjourElsa]

It's always a treat watching your videos. Historic artists come alive before your eyes. One day I would like to see Chopin. Thank you!!

[@RoyaltyNowStudios]

Thank you Elsa!

[@SalmaSalma-md5oi]

Me too i want to see chopin

[@Maria-kf9rs]

Wonderful! Thank you! I really would like to see the modern picture of him moving. To see his smile and to look around with his glasses on. It would really put him in our time 🤩

[@Sanman95]

I always believed that the First Folio (although poorly etched as you mention) is the most accurate picture we'll ever get of Shakespeare because it was commissioned by people who knew Shakespeare in his lifetime. The Chandos portrait's history is still too unclear to me and it's not even known when it was actually painted. No proof of it being painted in Shakespeare's lifetime. The monument displays him as pretty portly so I always assumed that was an accurate depiction of him in his last days. The First Folio and funerary monument are acceptable to me as accurate. Nonetheless GREAT video and thanks for giving me plenty of info I never knew!!!

[@marywenzel3199]

I studied Shakespeare in college but it wasn’t until years later that I learned about the controversy surrounding his authorship, and I was today years old when I discovered that my image of Will all these years is possibly not him? Mind blown. But for, I would say, inarguably the most influential, prolific and famous writer in the English language, the paucity of details about his life is incomprehensible. The thing that troubles me most is the complete absence of diaries, letters, notebooks…any scrap of paper in his own hand. We’ve got one signature I believe. Not only did Shakespeare not write any correspondence, but apparently no one wrote to him either. The leading literary mind of his time-all time-didn’t bequeath a single book? Which means he had none, as books were extremely valuable heirlooms. He didn’t even own copies of his *own* plays or poetry. His disciples fished those out of the garbage and preserved them. Their author couldn’t have cared less. Curiouser and curiouser. We have many more examples of contemporary documents by Geoffrey Chaucer, and he lived 200 years earlier. I had the privilege to tour Shakespeare’s schoolroom in Stratford virtually with an historian. Far from being a quaint rustic with a rudimentary village education, William was quite the promising young man. His father John had a thriving glove making business, and parlayed that into becoming the Lord Mayor of the town. It’s possible that the older Shakespeare was illiterate, but he would’ve had an excellent head for figures and leadership abilities. The grammar school in Stratford was the top school in the region, and is still operational today. Boys would have received a solid grounding in classical languages, mathematics, dialectics, and history of antiquity. By the age of 14 it’s thoroughly possible that these boys would’ve received the equivalent of a modern undergraduate education. Young Shakespeare was relatively well off, for Stratford, but I don’t think that he had the funds to go abroad. I think the lost seven years were spent traveling the countryside with a troupe of actors, learning stagecraft. Will was industrious, entrepreneurial and must have been charismatic, to in a relatively short time be co-shareholder in a thriving company. He was an impresario. This skill set seems at odds with the dreamy poet of the sonnets. I have come round to my own theory that Shakespeare had a collaborator of noble birth-the Earl of Oxford is the leading contender-who supplied the library, the knowledge of court, of ranks of nobility, of Italy. Shakespeare supplied the crowd pleasing bits…the lowborn characters, the knowledge of how to stage a play and market it. He likely wrote the early comedies. But if it often feels like two separate voices wrote the plays, maybe it’s because they did.

[@doramanela350]

such delicacy and classy work is so rare in these internet days. Thank you for beauty and history.

[@sunshinehoward9649]

"was not of an age but for all time" how true that is.

[@siobhano]

Incredibly well done. Shakespeare himself would have approved.

[@ray.shoesmith]

Nearly at 100k! 🎊🎉

[@RoyaltyNowStudios]

Wooo! Hoping this video tips the scales :)

[@lanipalleja-mcdannell3139]

Another masterpiece! Bravo!!

[@RoyaltyNowStudios]

🥰🥰🥰

[@SoniaJbrt]

Both interpretations were brilliant. Looking at a writer. He seemed shy and very private a person, maybe that's why we know so very little about him. I think if he could, he would have written under another name to keep his identity secret. My daughter is a born writer, busy with her first novel. She is going to write under another name, not her name. She is very shy and likes to spend hours alone in her room, writing. But she is very happy, especially when she can write something. So as the Mom of a future writer of best seller novels, I think I saw a little more of what Shakespeare was like as a person. You did a great job on the interpretations.

[@chrismclaren4871]

The most wonderful narrator on You Tube. I could listen to Becca all day ! Great music and editing and the reveal at the end is genius.

[@Yoliplanting]

I absolutely love your modern recreation of him!!

[@michelelambertselston1929]

Outstanding work. My fav was the modern version… he’d fit right in. Thanks

[@hotbreakers94569]

First playwright, first author I studied, first works I studied not only in school but as an actor. My first play ever was Midsummer's Nights Dream reinterpreted as a Teenage midsummer Night's Dream. I played Demetrius "Dean Metrius"

[@marybaker8582]

If you ever get a chance, go see Shakespeare home in Stratford upon Avon. It appears to be a comfortable house, whilst not being extravagant. It’s beautiful

[@alexmaier5228]

Seeing your recreations really brings these historical figures back to life as people, not just names and dates in a history book, especially when you make them smile and move. Would you do Grace O'Malley?

[@simplyericaamaro]

I am loving your channel! At first, I was only interested in the last part of your videos, but I am thankful for the History intro. I can tell that there is a fair amount of research and it just makes it more special when we get to see them in motion.

[@mrsl5514]

Your videos and art are amazing. I just found your channel and am going through each video. They are all wonderful! The art is breathtaking, you are careful with your history presenting it in a sympathetic way, and your speaking voice is so pleasant and easily understood. As a hearing impaired person, it's always nice to not have to stare at the captions only, put the speaker next to my ear, or just give up (from mumbling). I would love to see your recreation of the Mona Lisa!

[@herstoryswitness]

These are all wonderful. I watch and rewatch, pass them on. More! More! Bravo!

[@sky_odin]

I love your recreations of Shakespeare! I especially love the smile. He looks like such a sweetheart 💜

[@cloettehershey5261]

Love your thorough research of your Subjects this one was so Wonderfully done! The Man behind his famous writing works! Its intriguing how you lead up to revealing their Likeness and was so Thrilling to see such a Famous well known Artist come to Life! Well done and Thank you! Brava! 👏🏻😍🖤

[@alvaalvarado6688]

Just found your videos and I’m completely obsessed! I love this one 😀👏

[@daxconnell7661]

i can believe that he could of done all those by himself. as an exercise i wrote 365 poems in a year to see if i could do it. the longest was 6 pages. but the fact that some one in the genius level of writing ability could create great works in a relative short period of time especially when there is so much material to write about in his time, both historic and during his life time

[@donaldbrown5003]

This would be amazing to see in a library reading his works of writing

[@jerhmiejames]

i love the modern interpretation. 💯 btw, i so love your narrating voice too. it’s crystal clear and relaxing to listen to at the same time. 🙏🏼

[@RoyaltyNowStudios]

Thank you so much! That’s so nice of you to say

[@ravenslullabye]

I so look forward to your videos. I find the history fascinating, but recreations are simply brilliant. Thank you so much.

[@RoyaltyNowStudios]

Thank you!

[@fifiladu2659]

This was a really fascinating video. I appreciate all the hard work and effort poured into it. Extremely enjoyable viewing.

[@MissSputnik]

Hi! I found you on Instagram and then I came to your channel. I love every video you do! It would be amazing see a video about the Romanov sisters, or at least Anastasia! Love from Mexico!

[@RoyaltyNowStudios]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it. I haven’t don’t the romanovs because there are photos of them, but it could be fun to colorize/bring them to life anyway and tell their story.

[@littlehouseinthebigapple5716]

Sitting here bawling over the quote about grief.

[@craftingwithcharm7665]

She’s so good at this, I just love watching these!

[@RoyaltyNowStudios]

Thank you 🥰🥰🥰

[@mama230873]

my fav writer of all time is Shakespear and yes, its upserd to say he didn't write his poems and plays loved the re-construction

[@rdhawke]

I really enjoy your videos and narrations bringing historical, interesting people to life, even forward until today. My father shared an April 23rd birthday with Shakespeare. He was surprised when I told him of that fact. I'm glad you have found ways to verify what I've always believed, that he truly was the author of his works. Huzzah! Perhaps you could do videos of famous and photographed, well known Native American tribal leaders of whom we have photographs.

[@TK-ij2xi]

I kind of chuckled a bit at the effigy carving, ".... accepted by those who knew him...." It made me think of every open casket funeral where you hear loved ones saying, "It doesn't look like her, why did they do her hair like that??" 🤭

[@RoyaltyNowStudios]

Haha I know - I can see them being like “huh - I guess that’s good enough!”

[@TK-ij2xi]

@@TheYafaShow Yeah? When were you gifted your rod and ring by God and your starseed family?

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

Or at my grandma's funeral: Why is her ear black?

[@TK-ij2xi]

@@rosesweetcharlotte Well that one's extra special!

[@debracarr612]

I absolutely love this channel! Your work is amazing 💖

[@diananoonen2262]

Oh my word! I had tears in my eyes...memory eternal.

[@johnwmerck8939]

I am enchanted by your channel, both as an educational medium and as art. In the future, I would love to see your modern "cleaned up" version of a man with an interesting biography who was deemed in life to be magnetically charismatic, but whose photographs inevitably present him as disheveled and downright strange - Grigori Rasputin.

[@treasurechest123]

Excellent work, as usual. Couple of thoughts…my understanding is that Shakespeare’s magnificence as a writer is not for originating the idioms or stories you mentioned and for which he is known for…rather, he coined and presented them in unique, heartfelt, and/or penetrating ways that lifted the stories from the mundane to fine art, while still appealing to the general audiences. It is pretty well known that almost none of his storylines were original to him and, further, original stories were not a selling point for audiences of that time. So his ability to write about historical figures or other countries is a non-issue when determining whether he was “really” the author of these plays, since he repurposed others’ storylines. His true art was his ability to translate through his emotional intelligence his understanding of the human “condition” into plays and poetry in ways that his audience could Identify with and understand. Then and now. Some of his poetry conveys this tension/sameness between the mundane and the sublime (“shall I convey thee to a summer day…”).

[@cortneymc7775]

I binge watch as well and have begun to share the channel. I enjoy receiving the histories in the newer videos and of course the recreations are powerful. Seeing history in todays world brings humanity closer. Thank you

[@aprilleighallred8546]

I love your video!! Thank you and keep up the great work!!

[@41bluets]

I was nervous about this one! I have loved them all, (your videos) watching them in random order upon discovery this evening. But I'm happy to see you've captured the soul of our transcendent poet as him, and not in the theories that it is not him! (although I am curious as whether or not he would actually want to appear in modern day as a pretentious writer. Perhaps. Maybe at the start and then discarding? hmm. I think he would probably both fit in in a blending sort of way, as he did back then, but also defy the rules of the writer....again, as he did back then. But thank you, I have enjoyed discovering your channel tonight and ending upon one of my heart of hearts. Beautifully done.

[@ChristianStran]

The music with the violins at the end is so stunning! Who is it from?!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Oh wow! We have one of the G.O.A.Ts of English Literature. It’s going to be great fun!

[@MrsAA-zn4yj]

Absolutely brilliant! In awe how you pull it all together

[@dharmakaurkhalsa3923]

As always: thanks for your research and art! Blessings.

[@RoyaltyNowStudios]

Thank you!

[@zoerphl]

this is excellent. Thank you!

[@ringtail1401]

This is really very good. Love it

[@WantYaLovin]

Loving all your videos! Beautiful voice!!

[@patriciabaughn4749]

I so enjoy your videos . They are informative and so entertaining. Thank you for all you do.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Another awesome video! 👏🏽

[@georgeadeh8859]

Excellent video on Shakespeare!

[@deborahhoffman7394]

This is wonderful an seems so authentic. Feels like the bard.

[@themysteriousdomainmoviepalace]

I love how he comes to life so gentle and then turns into Dostoyevsky. I believe Shakespeare is Shakespeare. I used to live and breath his plays and sonnets. Though that movie, Anonymous about DeVere being Shakespeare is really good.

[@Sims4daddyo]

I love these videos; fantastic work