Shakespeare himself was a famous actor and one of the founding members of Lord Chamberlain's Men during the reign of Elizabeth I. Then, when James took the throne he became the official patron of the troupe and they became known as the King's Men, which initially consisted of Lawrence Fletcher, William Shakespeare, Richard Burbage, Augustine Phillips, John Heminges, Henry Condell, William Sly, Robert Armin, and Richard Cowley as well as their "associates" (this is the term used in the Royal Patent).

Source: Aaron, Melissa D. Global Economics: A History of the Theatre Business, the Chamberlain's/King's Men, and Their Plays, 1599–1642. Newark, DE, University of Delaware Press, 2003.