We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

How Did Tennessee Williams Die?

Updated: Mar 06, 2024
Views: 8,718
Share

Tennessee Williams, a playwright best known for A Streetcar Named Desire, died at the age of 71 in 1983 when he choked on a bottle cap. Williams suffered from depression and alcoholism for much of his life and was also thought to be suffering from hypochondria. The cap was from a bottle of eye drops. At the time, the coroner suggested that a normal gag reflex, which might have saved Williams, had been suppressed by drugs and/or alcohol.

There has been some speculation by friends of the playwright that the bottle cap was, in fact, an invented story and that Williams actually died after he developed an intolerance to his prescribed medication.

More about Tennessee Williams:

  • Tennessee Williams' sister, with whom he was very close, was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a young woman. She was eventually given a lobotomy and institutionalized.
  • His longest romantic relationship was with Frank Merlo and lasted for 14 years. Merlo died of lung cancer in 1963, plunging Williams into a deep depression that may have led to his prescription drug dependency.
  • Tennessee Williams was the author of over two dozen major plays. He was also a screenwriter, poet, and novelist.
Share

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-did-tennessee-williams-die.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.