| William Horatio Powell (July 29, 1892
- March 5, 1984) was an American actor, noted
for his sophisticated, cynical roles.
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he began a
Broadway career in 1912 and a Hollywood career in 1922. His first starring role
was as Philo Vance in 1929's
The Canary Murder Case. He followed this up with
the Vance role in The Kennel Murder Case in
1933. In the same year, he was divorced from his second wife, the actress Carole Lombard, who went on to marry Clark Gable.
Powell's most famous role was that of Nick Charles in six "Thin Man" films, beginning with The Thin Man in 1934. Myrna Loy played his wife Nora in each of the "Thin Man" films, and his partnership with Loy would become the
screen's most prolific, with the couple appearing in 14 films together.
In 1935, he starred with Jean Harlow
in Reckless, and they became
engaged. She died before they could marry. His distress over Harlow's death and a battle with cancer resulted in him accepting fewer roles. In 1940 he married the actress
Diana Lewis. Although the couple had
only met for the first time three weeks before their marriage, they remained married until Powell's death.
His career slowed considerably in the late 1940s, and his last film was Mister Roberts in 1955.
Powell died in Palm Springs, California thirty
years after his retirement.
Quotes
Myrna Loy: Pretty Girl.
William Powell: Yes. She's a nice type
Myrna Loy: You got types?
William Powell: Only you, darling. Lanky brunettes with wicked jaws.
William Powell: Oh, its alright, Joe. Its my dog. And uh, my wife.
Myrna Loy: Well you might have mentioned me on the first billing.
William Powell: How'd you like Grants tomb?
Myrna Loy: It's lovely. I'm having a copy made for you.
- (After The Thin Man, 1936)
William Powell: Come on. Let's get something to eat. I'm thirsty.
William Powell: I don't go to church to be preached at as though I were some lost sheep.
Irene Dunne: Clare you don't seem to understand what the church is for.
William Powell: Vinnie, if there's one place the church should leave alone, it's a man's soul!
WIlliam Powell: These flowers just came for you, miss. Where shall I put them?
Carole Lombard: What difference does it make where one puts flowers when one's heart is breaking?
William Powell: Yes, miss. Shall I put them on the piano?
Academy Awards Nominations
He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1636
Vine Street.
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