William Powell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids William Horatio Powell
Powell in 1936

William Horatio Powell (July 29, 1892 – March 5, 1984) was an American actor. He was known for his role in Thin Man (1934). He was nominated an Academy Award for Best Actor three times for his roles in The Thin Man (1934), My Man Godfrey (1936), and Life with Father (1947).

Early life

Powell was born on July 29, 1892 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was raised in Kansas City, Missouri. Powell studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Personal life

He was married to Eileen Wilson from 1915 until they divorced in 1930. Then he was married to Carole Lombard from 1931 until they divorced in 1933. Then he was married to Diana Lewis from 1940 until his death in 1984. He had a son with Wilson, William David.

Powell died on March 5, 1984 in his home in Palm Springs, California from heart failure, aged 91. He was buried at Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City, California.

Images for kids

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  William Powell in When Knighthood Was in Flower (1922)

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  William Powell and his frequent co-star Myrna Loy as Nick and Nora Charles in a promotional photo for The Thin Man from 1934, with Skippy as Asta