Tennessee Williams

Date of Death: February 25, 1983 (71)

Birth Place: Columbus, MS, USA

Get Tennessee Williams Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Tennessee Williams BIO

One of America's greatest playwrights and certainly the greatest ever from the South, Tennessee Williams wrote fiction and motion picture screenplays, but he is acclaimed primarily for his plays, nearly all of which are set in the South, but which at their best rise above regionalism to approach universal themes. Tennessee Williams drew heavily on his family experiences in his writings. When The Glass Menagerie hit Broadway in 1945, it not only changed Tennessee Williams' life, it revolutionized American theatre. A Streetcar Named Desire, The Night of the Iguana and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof are some of his other masterpieces. Among his many awards, Williams won two Pulitzer Prizes and four New York Drama Critics Circle Awards. In addition to 25 full-length plays, Williams produced dozens of short plays and screenplays, two novels, a novella, 60 short stories, more than 100 poem and an autobiography. His works have been translated into at least 27 languages, and countless productions of his work have been staged around the world.

Tennessee Williams Photos

Tennessee Williams Awards and Nominations

Olivier Awards - 2003 - Best Revival

Tennessee WilliamsA Streetcar Named Desire

Tony Awards - 1999 - Best Play

Tennessee Williams, Not About Nightingales

Olivier Awards - 1995 - Best Revival of a Play or Comedy

Tennessee WilliamsSweet Bird Of Youth

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1962 - Best American Play

Tennessee Williams, The Night of the Iguana

Tony Awards - 1962 - Best Play

Tennessee Williams, The Night of the Iguana

Evening Standard Awards - 1958 - Best Play

Tennessee WilliamsCat on a Hot Tin Roof

Tony Awards - 1956 - Best Play

Tennessee Williams, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

The Pulitzer Prize - 1955 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Tennessee Williams, Cat on A Hot Tin Roof

Tony Awards - 1951 - Best Play

Tennessee Williams, The Rose Tattoo

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1948 - Best American Play

Tennessee Williams, A Streetcar Named Desire

Tennessee Williams Videos

Tennessee Williams News


Cast Set for LAST TRAIN TO NIBROC at Peninsula Players Theatre

​​​​​​​Peninsula Players Theatre has revealed the cast for the final play reading of its 2024 The Play's The Thing series. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets!

Review: KINGDOM OF EARTH at Tennessee Williams Threatre Company

When the Tennessee Williams Theatre Company burst onto the Nola theatre scene in 2015, it sparked excitement and swiftly established itself as a leading authority on the works of the Bard of the South.

Tennessee Williams' THE ROSE TATTOO Is Next Up At Cumberland Theatre

The Rose Tattoo, Tennessee Williams' love-play to the world, brings a tale of superstitions, promises, and love after heartbreak to Cumberland Theatre, March 14th to 30th.

Ensemble Studio Theatre Announces 2024 FIRST LIGHT FESTIVAL

Ensemble Studio Theatre and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation have announced the line-up for the 2024 First Light Festival, part of the EST/Sloan Project to develop plays exploring science and technology.

Interview: Expect the Unexpected in Lea DeLaria's A VERY LEA EASTER at Joe's Pub

Comedian, actor and singer Lea DeLaria (Orange is the New Black) is known for her distinctive cabaret covers. On March 31st, she’s turning her attention to Easter with A VERY LEA EASTER at Joe’s Pub, with shows at 6 pm and 8:30 pm, “a hilarious fun filled Easter Extravaganza chock full of her trademark wild comedy and musical prowess.”

TWFest Opens With Stella Shouting Contest This Weekend

On Sunday, March 17 at 2 pm, the beloved Stella Shouting Contest will take place in Jackson Square.

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, A DOLL'S HOUSE, and More Set For Sheffield Theatres 2024-25 Season

Robert Hastie has announced his final season at Sheffield Theatres, as he steps down after eight years as Artistic Director. New productions will be running from summer 2024 to spring 2025 in the Crucible Theatre and Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse. Learn more about the season lineup here!

DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTS World Premiere & More Set for Palm Beach Dramaworks 25th Season

Palm Beach Dramaworks will celebrate its twenty-fifth anniversary in 2024-25 with a  roster of plays that epitomize its commitment to “Theatre to Think About.” Learn about full programming and see how to purchase tickets.

Ruth Stage's CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF Comes to the 2024 Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival

 Ruth Stage announced that three-time Emmy Award winner Christian Jules Le Blanc and actor/producer Matt de Rogatis will reprise their critically acclaimed off-Broadway roles of ‘Big Daddy’ and ‘Brick’ from their 2022 production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

April Heats Up As The Company Theatre Presents CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF

The Company Theatre will present Tennessee Williams' CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF from April 12-21, directed by Artistic Director Carl Del Buono.

Production Teams Set for The J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company 2024 Season

The J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company has revealed the production teams for its 2024 season. Learn more about the season!

Alley Theatre Unveils 2024-25 Season Featuring World Premieres & More

The Alley Theatre has unveiled its 2024-25 season, including classic works, world premiere plays, a murder mystery, and lots of laughter. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.

NYTW Responds to Playwright's Demands for Public Call for Ceasefire in Gaza

In December 2023, playwright Victor I. Cazares went to social media to explain that they would stop taking their HIV medication until off Broadway theatre institution New York Theatre Workshop, where they began working in 2020 as the Tow playwright in residence, publicly calls for a cease-fire in Gaza. The theatre has just issued a response to their demands.

Lynn Nottage's SWEAT to Open at Capital Repertory Theatre in Two Weeks

Capital Repertory Theatre is getting ready to open its first show of 2024, Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Sweat” by Lynn Nottage. Learn more about the production here!

UNLOCKING DESIRE Film Project Event To Be Held At Scarab Club In Detroit

Join Barbara Neri and the UNLOCKING DESIRE film team for a special event at Detroit's Scarab Club on March 16.

Review: Green Room 42 Boasts a Rainbow of Musical Colors from BMI's NEW WRITERS

The next generation of songwriters is busy working and took a night off to play and sing at The Green Room 42 on February 3rd. A full room of supportive music appreciators heard some new musical theatre-style material based on assignments like 'Imagine Blanche DuBois singing' or 'write a love song without the word 'love.''

THE GLASS MENAGERIE Announced At Gettysburg Community Theatre

Catch the Tennessee Williams classic play, THE GLASS MENAGERIE, at Gettysburg Community Theatre. Experience the charm and beauty of this iconic American drama during weekends from March 8-17, 2024.

DANCING AT LUGHNASA Comes to Austin in March

A masterwork in theatre storytelling about family, honor, hope, and the undeniable power of the past, Dancing at Lughnasa runs March 15 - 31 at Genesis Creative Collective.

New Work Series WITCHES, QUEERS AND CLOWNS Will Bring A Host of Radical Artists to HERE in March

The three-week performance series will feature music, theater, comedy and cabaret work from Matt Bovee, Scout Davis, Amy Jo Jackson, Dan Mills and Ben Thornewill, Kristin McCarthy Parker, Adam J. Rineer, and others, as well as the world premiere of Witches!? In Salem?! by Matt Cox (Puffs).

Brave New World Rep To Present the World Premiere Award-Winning Play, LENI'S LAST LAMENT

Explore the controversial legacy of Leni Riefenstahl in the one-woman play that won top awards at United Solo Fest. Presented at Brooklyn’s Brave New World Rep from March 15-30.

Tennessee Williams FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Tennessee Williams has written 35 shows including Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Playwright), You Touched Me (Playwright), Summer and Smoke (Playwright), Orpheus Descending (Lyricist), Garden District (Playwright), Sweet Bird of Youth (Playwright), I Rise in Flames, Cried the Phoenix (Playwright), The Purification (Playwright), Period of Adjustment (Playwright), The Night of the Iguana (Playwright), The Milk Train Doesn't Stop Here Anymore (Playwright), The Rose Tattoo (Playwright), The Seven Descents of Myrtle (Playwright), In the Bar of a Tokyo Hotel (Playwright), Camino Real (Playwright), Out Cry (Playwright), Battle of Angels (Playwright), Serafina (Source Material), Summer and Smoke (Playwright), Vieux Carre (Playwright), Clothes for a Summer Hotel (Playwright), Ten by Tennessee (Playwright), Kingdom of Earth (Playwright), The Red Devil Battery Sign (Playwright), Not About Nightingales (Playwright), Tennessee Williams Remembered (Author), Something Cloudy, Something Clear (Playwright), Five By Tenn (Playwright), The Glass Menagerie (Playwright), A Streetcar Named Desire (Playwright), Suddenly Last Summer (Playwright), The Eccentricities Of A Nightingale (Playwright), The Two-Character Play (Playwright), 2 By Tennessee Williams (Playwright), Talisman Roses (Playwright).

Tennessee Williams has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of his notable nominations include Best Revival at the Olivier Awards for "A Streetcar Named Desire," Best Play at the Tony Awards for "Not About Nightingales," Best Revival of a Play or Comedy at the Olivier Awards for "Sweet Bird Of Youth," Best American Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "The Night of the Iguana," Best Play at the Tony Awards for "The Night of the Iguana," Best Play at the Evening Standard Awards for "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," Best Play at the Tony Awards for "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," Best American Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," The Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "Cat on A Hot Tin Roof," Best Play at the Tony Awards for "The Rose Tattoo," Best American Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "A Streetcar Named Desire," and Best American Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "The Glass Menagerie."

Tennessee Williams has won several awards for his plays. Some of his notable wins include the Best American Play award from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "The Night of the Iguana," "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "A Streetcar Named Desire," and "The Glass Menagerie." He also received the Best Play award from the Evening Standard Awards for "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and the Tony Award for Best Play for "The Rose Tattoo." Additionally, Williams was honored with the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof."

Get Tennessee Williams Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos