Williams¹, Hank (1923-53), American country singer and songwriter; born Hiram King Williams. Williams had the first of many country hits, 'Lovesick Blues', in 1949; 'Your Cheatin' Heart' (recorded 1952) was released after his sudden death.

Williams², John (Christopher) (b.1941), Australian guitarist and composer. He made his name as a recitalist, noted for an eclectic repertoire that includes both classical and popular music.

Williams³, J. P. R. (b.1949), Welsh rugby union player; full name John Peter Rhys Williams. One of the leading fullbacks of the 1970s, Williams played for his country and for the British Lions.

Williams⁴, Robin (McLaurim) (b.1952), American actor. He has starred in many films, in both comic and serious roles; notable films include Good Will Hunting (1997), for which he won an Oscar, Dead Poets Society (1989), and Mrs Doubtfire (1993).

Williams⁵, Rowan (b.1950), Welsh Anglican churchman and theologian, Archbishop of Canterbury since 2002. He became Professor of Divinity at Oxford in 1986 and in 1999 was elected Archbishop of Wales.

Williams⁶, Tennessee (1911-83), American dramatist; born Thomas Lanier Williams. He achieved success with The Glass Menagerie (1944) and A Streetcar Named Desire (1947), which deal with the tragedy of vulnerable heroines living in fragile fantasy worlds shattered by brutal reality. Other Notable works: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1955) and The Night of the Iguana (1962).

Williams⁷, Venus (b.1980) and Serena (b.1981), American tennis players. The sisters hold numerous grand slam titles, and in the 2000 Olympic Games Venus won a gold medal for the ladies' singles and with Serena a further gold for the doubles.

Williams⁸, William Carlos (1883-1963), American poet, essayist, novelist, and short-story writer. His poetry is characterized by avoidance of emotional content and the use of American vernacular. Collections include Spring and All (1923).

a dessert pear of an early green variety