“All cruel people describe themselves as paragons of frankness.“
- Name: Tennessee Williams
- Born: March 26, 1911
- Died: February 25, 1983
- From: Columbus, Mississippi
- Pronouns: He/Him
- Contribution/Impact: Williams is an acclaimed playwright that some revere as the greatest of the twentieth century. He was known for writing plays that touched on taboo topics.
- Occupation: Playwright, Writer
- Known For: A Streetcar Named Desire (1947), The Glass Menagerie (1945), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1955)
- Awards: Pulitzer Prize for Drama for “A Streetcar named Desire” and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” (1948, 1955), Honored at the Kennedy Center (1979) ‘
- Interesting Facts: Williams’ brother had a priest confirm him into the Catholic faith against his will towards the end of his life.
Tennessee Williams, born Thomas Lanier Williams, has gone on the record as saying his parent’s marriage was “… just a wrong marriage.” However, his childhood issues created inspiration for characters in his most famous works. Furthermore, the strained relationship with his father caused Williams to be more introverted and look more to writing, but it wasn’t until years later during a second pass at college that he discovered the theatre. Despite writing about topics many considered taboo at the time, like homosexuality, Williams had a successful career and is still taught, read, and adored today.
Handout
To download the Handout:
- Click on the image
- Right-click and select Save Image As…
- Decorate and personalize the empty space in the image.
- Cut out and use for a selfie to share on our social media page.
- Download a card and envelope template and write about an idea this leader inspires.
- Check out The Attic for more resources and events for Philadelphia’s LGBT+ youth!
This ASI Special event is an ongoing volunteer-led project made by people like you, using multiple educational sources regularly being revised and updated. We would love your assistance if you or your group would like to get involved, learn more here.