William Horatio Powell (July 29, 1892 – March 5, 1984) was an American actor, noted for his sophisticated, cynical portrayals.
A major star at MGM, he was paired with Myrna Loy in fourteen films, including the popular Thin Man series in which Powell and Loy played Nick and Nora Charles. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor three times, for The Thin Man (1934), My Man Godfrey (1936) and Life with Father (1947).
Powell, an only chi...
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William Horatio Powell (July 29, 1892 – March 5, 1984) was an American actor, noted for his sophisticated, cynical portrayals.
A major star at MGM, he was paired with Myrna Loy in fourteen films, including the popular Thin Man series in which Powell and Loy played Nick and Nora Charles. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor three times, for The Thin Man (1934), My Man Godfrey (1936) and Life with Father (1947).
Powell, an only child, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Nettie Manila (née Brady) and Horatio Warren Powell. He showed an early aptitude for performing. In 1907, he moved with his family to Kansas City, Missouri. The Powells lived a few blocks away from the Carpenters, whose daughter Harlean evolved into Jean Harlow, although Powell would not meet her until both were established stars.
After high school, he left home for New York and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts at the age of 18. In 1912 Powell graduated from the AADA, and worked in some...
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