William Inge was born on May 3,1913, in Independence, Kansas. He was raised by his mother, Maude; his father was a traveling salesman and was rarely at home. After graduating from the University of Kansas in 1935, Inge attended the George Peabody College for Teachers, but left before completing his graduate program.

After a brief period teaching English at a local high school, Inge returned to college to complete his graduate degree. He also worked as a drama critic, and it was during this period that he met Tennessee Williams, who encouraged him to write drama. Inge completed his first play that year, and with the help of Williams, Farther Off from Heaven was produced in 1947.

In 1949, Inge wrote Come Back, Little Sheba, which was produced on Broadway in 1950 and earned the George Jean Nathan Award and Theatre Time Award. Three years later, Picnic won the Pulitzer Prize...