Tennessee Williams met long-term partner
Frank Merlo in the summer of 1948 (Merlo
died of lung cancer in the fall of 1963). Though separated briefly in
1961 and again in 1962, the two were partners for 15 years. Merlo acted
as his personal manager/secretary.
Williams spent much of his most prolific years in Rome, Italy, and his
enduring friendship with Italian stage and screen legend
Anna Magnani lasted 24 years and inspired
both "The Rose Tattoo" and "Orpheus Descending". Magnani realized the
lead parts of these two plays, which were written for her, in their
film versions. The turbulent and inspirational friendship shared
between Williams and Magnani is the subject of the internationally
acclaimed play "Roman Nights" by Franco
D'Alessandro.
Aside from his published "Memoirs", the only authorized biographical
book on Williams is by Bruce Smith, entitled "Costly Performances -
Tennessee Williams; The Last Stage." This book deals with the last four
years of Williams' life (1979-1983).
Timeless Classics: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Monologue(2024)
Dawna of the Darkness(2019)
Eye on Entertainment(2005)
The Kindness of Strangers(2021)
The Yellow Bird(2001)as Narrator
The Rose Tattoo(1955)as Man at Mardi Gras Club
Fosse/Verdon(2019)
Miss Stevens(2016)
Craft & Burn(2012)
The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond(2008)
Pool Days(1993)
The Fugitive Kind(1960)
Tonight Live with Dan Wootton(2021)as Self
Seven Portraits(1983)as Self
The Kennedy Center Honors: A Celebration of the Performing Arts(1979)as Self - Honoree
Mr. Scorsese(2025)as Self - Playwright
The Last Movie Stars(2022)as Self
Truman & Tennessee: An Intimate Conversation(2020)as Self
La passione di Anna Magnani(2019)as Self
And the Oscar Goes to...(2014)as Self
