Playwright Timeline

By ycorral
  • Birth of Tennessee Williams

    Birth of Tennessee Williams

    Born Thomas Lanier Williams III in Columbus, Mississippi, on March 26, 1911. Later adopted the name “Tennessee” after his father’s home state.
  • Family Moves to St. Louis

    Family Moves to St. Louis

    The Williams family moves from Mississippi to St. Louis, Missouri. The new environment inspires many of the urban settings in his plays.
  • Writes First Short Story

    Writes First Short Story

    At age 16, Tennessee writes his first short story, beginning a lifelong passion for storytelling.
  • Enrolls at University of Missouri

    Enrolls at University of Missouri

    Begins studying journalism and becomes active in campus theatre productions.
  • Withdrawn from University

    Withdrawn from University

    His father pulls him out of college due to poor grades and financial struggles, forcing him to work in a shoe factory.
  • Wins Playwriting Prize

    Wins Playwriting Prize

    Wins $5 for his one-act play Cairo, Shanghai, Bombay! It's his first public recognition as a playwright.
  • Transfers to University of Iowa

    Transfers to University of Iowa

    Resumes his education, studying English and developing his talent for drama and poetry.
  • Moves to New Orleans

    Moves to New Orleans

    Relocates to New Orleans and adopts the pen name “Tennessee.” The city’s culture influences his early plays.
  • Graduates from University of Iowa

    Graduates from University of Iowa

    Earns a Bachelor of Arts in English, marking the start of his professional writing career.
  • Premiere of The Glass Menagerie

    Premiere of The Glass Menagerie

    His breakthrough play opens in Chicago and receives glowing reviews, launching his career.
  • Premiere of A Streetcar Named Desire

    Premiere of A Streetcar Named Desire

    The play opens on Broadway, starring Marlon Brando and Jessica Tandy, and becomes a major success.
  • Wins Pulitzer Prize for Drama

    Wins Pulitzer Prize for Drama

    Awarded the Pulitzer Prize for A Streetcar Named Desire, confirming his place among America’s greatest playwrights.
  • Premiere of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

    Premiere of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

    Another Broadway triumph that wins his second Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
  • Premiere of Sweet Bird of Youth

    Premiere of Sweet Bird of Youth

    Opens on Broadway, continuing his exploration of aging, ambition, and desire.
  • Premiere of The Night of the Iguana

    Premiere of The Night of the Iguana

    One of his last major stage successes, later adapted into a film starring Richard Burton.
  • Death of Frank Merlo

    Death of Frank Merlo

    Williams’ longtime partner Frank Merlo dies of lung cancer, leading to a deep personal and creative depression.
  • Publishes Memoirs

    Publishes Memoirs

    Releases his autobiography, sharing personal insights about his career, sexuality, and struggles.
  • Receives Kennedy Center Honor

    Receives Kennedy Center Honor

    Honored for his lifetime contributions to American theatre and dramatic literature.
  • Death of Tennessee Williams

    Death of Tennessee Williams

    Died in New York City at age 71. He was buried in St. Louis, Missouri. His work remains a cornerstone of American drama.

  • References / Works Cited

    “Tennessee Williams.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2024. britannica.com “Tennessee Williams.” Biography.com, AE Television Networks, 2023. biography.com Leverich, Lyle. Tom: The Unknown Tennessee Williams. Crown Publishers, 1995. Roudané, Matthew C. The Cambridge Companion to Tennessee Williams. Cambridge University Press, 1997. “Tennessee Williams.” The Kennedy Center Honors, 1979. kennedy-center.org