Tennessee Williams

Iconic American writer Tennessee Williams started writing at an early age, publishing and winning competitions for his short stories and plays in his teenage years. In his 20s, Williams worked many menial jobs to support himself while he wrote. Finally, in 1944, he attained recognition as a playwright with his play The Glass Menagerie, and a few years later, his next play, A Streetcar Named Desire, brought him even more success and wealth. Both plays were also adapted as motion pictures. However, despite his talent and success, Williams suffered from depression and substance abuse problems, which sent him on a downward spiral, particularly after the death of his partner, Frank Merlo. At age 71, Williams was found dead of a drug overdose.