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Tennessee Williams

Birth Place: Columbus, MS, USA

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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.

Photos

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


winner
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


winner
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


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1955 - Best American Play

Tennessee Williams, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof


winner
The Pulitzer Prize - 1955 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Tennessee Williams, Cat on A Hot Tin Roof


winner
Tony Awards - 1951 - Best Play

Tennessee Williams, The Rose Tattoo


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

Tennessee Williams, A Streetcar Named Desire


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1945 - Best American Play

Tennessee Williams, The Glass Menagerie

Videos

News


KIND STRANGER … A MEMORY PLAY To Make West Coast Premiere At Zephyr Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 25, 2025

Ed’s Filmworks will present the West Coast premiere of Kind Stranger … a memory play, a new theatrical work adapted entirely from the memoirs of Tennessee Williams.
Irene Collective To Present A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 20, 2025

IRENE COLLECTIVE, a female driven New Orleans based theatre company will present its upcoming production of A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams.
Lesley Ann Warren to Join CLUE Screening at the Marcus Performing Arts Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 20, 2025

In celebration of the 40th Anniversary of CLUE: The Movie, original film star Lesley Ann Warren (Miss Scarlett) will travel to the Marcus Performing Arts Center for a special screening of the fan favorite film.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL at the Merchant's House to Offer On Demand Streaming
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 20, 2025

A CHRISTMAS CAROL at the MERCHANT’S HOUSE, Charles Dickens in New York, 1867, is presented online by Summoners Ensemble Theatre in association with the Merchant’s House Museum.
Review: THE MOTHER PLAY: A PLAY IN FIVE EVICTIONS at Studio Theatre
by David Friscic - Nov 19, 2025

The autobiographical world of playwright Paula Vogel comes alive in the illuminating and fragilely evocative “tone poem” of a play entitled The Mother Play at the Studio Theatre. This very moving and occasionally caustic play explores all the hard issues of life in a family—such as death, illness, financial problems and –above all—the dislocation that occurs from constant moving to new locations. (Indeed, the subtitle of the play is “ A Play in Five Evictions”). The Herman family is composed of a very peripatetic mother who has survived the onslaught of a divorce and unwanted children, but she passes so much rage onto her two children, and she drowns herself in martinis.
Review: THE GLASS MENAGERIE at Theatrical Outfit
by Joseph Harrison - Nov 2, 2025

There’s a particular thrill in seeing a classic American play reimagined with both reverence and boldness. Theatrical Outfit’s new production of Tennessee Williams’ THE GLASS MENAGERIE, which opens its 49th season and plays through November 23rd, does just that. It effectively reminds us why this memory play endures more than 80 years after its premiere, while offering a fresh perspective and a deep, emotional resonance that will keep Atlanta audiences talking long after the final bows.
HADESTOWN & More Lead Atlanta's November 2025 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Oct 31, 2025

Atlanta is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for November 2025 include Hadestown and more.
Theatrical Outfit To Present THE GLASS MENAGERIE By Tennessee Williams
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 31, 2025

Theatrical Outfit will open its 49th season with Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie, running October 29 to November 23, 2026, at the Balzer Theater at Herren’s (84 Luckie St. NW, Atlanta).
An Englishman Abroad - Gary Naylor Goes To Glasgow
by Gary Naylor - Oct 27, 2025

Theatre beyond London proves varied and interesting
Handel's MESSIAH and HOLIDAY POPS is Coming to South Florida Symphony Orchestra
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 24, 2025

South Florida Symphony Orchestra will return to inspire joy this holiday season with its beloved performances of Handel’s glorious Messiah. Learn more about the season and see how to purchase tickets.
The Tennessee Williams Festival To Host Gala Celebrating the Arts
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 24, 2025

The Tennessee Williams and New Orleans Literary Festival will host a Gala. It will be a night of revelry under the stained glass prisms of the sumptuous 19th-century former church at the Hotel Peter and Paul.
Review: THE GLASS MENAGERIE, Citizens Theatre
by Natalie O'Donoghue - Oct 24, 2025

Tom, trapped in a soul-crushing job and burdened with the weight of supporting his overbearing mother, Amanda, and painfully shy sister, Laura, longs for escape. When he invites Jim, a charming but well-meaning acquaintance, to dinner, Amanda seizes the moment to secure Laura’s future happiness.
Listen: Elizabeth Teeter Releases New Original Single 'do you like me?'
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 24, 2025

Elizabeth Teeter, currently starring as Heather McNamara in the off-Broadway production of Heathers, has just released her new single 'do you like me?' available to stream now.
THE GLASS MENAGERIE Comes to State Theatre Company Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Oct 24, 2025

State Theatre Company South Australia will close its 2025 season with Tennessee Williams’ masterwork, The Glass Menagerie. Learn more about the upcoming production here!
Complete Cast Set for MY FAIR LADY at Theater Latté Da
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 22, 2025

Theater Latté Da has revealed the complete cast for Lerner & Loewe's timeless classic My Fair Lady. Learn more about the production here and see how to purchase tickets.
Exclusive: Michael Cyril Creighton on the Evolution of Howard Morris in ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 21, 2025

Explore Michael Cyril Creighton's thoughts on Howard Morris's evolution in Only Murders in the Building Season 5 and the impact of his relationships.
Review: DCPA’s CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF Offers Fresh Fire and Familiar Heat
by Jon Bee - Oct 20, 2025

I have a love/hate relationship with Tennessee Williams. It's not really his fault, it's more thanks to my time working for a theater festival honoring the playwright. The work was incredible, but the work environment was, in a word, insufferable.
Voyage Theater Company to Present 5000 STEPS TO PEACE AND JUSTICE At Ukrainian Institute Of America
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 16, 2025

Voyage Theater Company will present 5000 Steps to Peace and Justice by Anna Khvyl and Piotr Armianovski at Ukrainian Institute of America. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets here!
Lesley Ann Warren to Host 40th Anniversary Screenings of CLUE THE MOVIE
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 15, 2025

In celebration of the 40th Anniversary of CLUE: The Movie, original star Lesley Ann Warren (Miss Scarlett) will travel across the country to select cities to host special screenings of the fan favorite film in Ultra High Definition.
Listen: The Doo Wop Project Releases New Album 'Echoes Of The Street'
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 10, 2025

The Doo Wop Project, comprised of Broadway veterans Charl Brown, Dwayne Cooper, John Dias, Russell Fischer & Dominic Nolfi, has released their new full-length album, Echoes of the Street. Check it out here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Tennessee Williams written?

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).

What awards has Tennessee Williams been nominated for?

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."

What awards has Tennessee Williams won?

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."

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