Tennessee Williams, born Thomas Lanier Williams III on March 26, 1911, in Columbus, Mississippi, was an American playwright whose works have become an integral part of the American theater canon. He passed away on February 25, 1983, but his plays, notably "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," continue to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of artists.

Born to a shoe salesman and a Southern belle, Williams had a turbulent childhood, marked by family dysfunction and financial difficulties. He found solace in writing at an early age and went on to study journalism at the University of Missouri. His early works didn't gain much traction, but his breakthrough came with "The Glass Menagerie," a play that reflected his own familial struggles and launched him to national prominence.

Williams was known for his vivid characters, complex relationships, and a deep exploration of the human psyche. His plays often dealt with themes of love, despair, and the eternal quest for happiness, set against the backdrop of the American South. His writing was rich in symbolism and poetic language, creating a unique blend of realism and dramatic flair.

In addition to his plays, Williams was a prolific writer of short stories, poems, and essays. He was a complex individual, battling depression and substance abuse throughout his life, yet his work often showcased a deep empathy for his characters' flaws and struggles. Williams was openly gay at a time when it was socially risky, and his plays often touched upon themes of sexual orientation, albeit subtly.

An interesting fact about Tennessee Williams is that he adopted his pen name from a nickname he received in college, inspired by his Southern accent. He was also an avid traveler, finding inspiration for his works in places ranging from New Orleans to Rome. Another lesser-known detail is that he was a lifelong fan of boxing, an interest that contrasted sharply with his sensitive artistic nature.