Artists & Writers · Modern
Tennessee Williams’s Last Words
“He choked on a bottle cap.”— Tennessee Williams, February 25, 1983
Who Was Tennessee Williams?
Tennessee Williams was an American playwright who wrote A Streetcar Named Desire and The Glass Menagerie, two of the greatest American plays.
The Final Moments
Williams died alone in his New York hotel room, choking on a small bottle cap. He had apparently been using it to open prescription bottles.
Are These Words Verified?
The medical examiner's report confirmed Williams choked on a bottle cap. This is not a quote of last words but an accurate description; he died alone with no witnesses.
Sources
- archive New York Medical Examiner's Report, February 1983
- newspaper New York Times, February 26, 1983
Legacy
A Streetcar Named Desire and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof define American theatre. The Glass Menagerie is one of the most performed plays in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Tennessee Williams’s last words?
“He choked on a bottle cap.”
How did Tennessee Williams die?
Tennessee Williams died on February 25, 1983 at the age of 71. Cause of death: Choked on a bottle cap from eye drops.
Were Tennessee Williams’s last words documented?
The medical examiner's report confirmed Williams choked on a bottle cap. This is not a quote of last words but an accurate description; he died alone with no witnesses.
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