What's After the Movie
William Powell
William Horatio Powell (July 29, 1892 – March 5, 1984) was an esteemed American actor who made a significant mark in the film industry, chiefly distinguished for his successful movie career. He was primarily noted for his pairing with Myrna Loy in 14 films, which included the famous Thin Man series based on the Nick and Nora Charles characters conceptualized by Dashiell Hammett. Powell's performing prowess led his name to be nominated for the 'Best Actor' Academy Award thrice: for The Thin Man (1934), My Man Godfrey (1936), and Life with Father (1947).
After graduating high school, Powell explored his passion for acting by joining the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. His Hollywood voyage began in 1922, with a Sherlock Holmes production. His remarkable voice became a powerful asset in his acting career during the time of transitioning to talkies. Powell received his first Academy Award nomination for 'The Thin Man'. His other notable performances include in The Great Ziegfeld (1936), and My Man Godfrey (1937). Powell lived a long acting career until his last role in Mister Roberts in 1955. Off-screen, Powell married thrice: to Eileen Wilson, Carole Lombard, and Diana Lewis. He battled against rectal cancer, which, after aggressive treatments, led to full remission.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about William Powell, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how William Powell rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: William Horatio Powell
Born: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Citizenship: American
Birthday: July 29, 1892
Occupations: Actor
Years Active: 1911-1955
Children: 1
Spouses: Eileen Wilson, Carole Lombard, Diana Lewis
External Links and Streaming Options
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Awards and Nominations Received by William Powell
Explore the awards, honors, and nominations William Powell has earned across their acting career. From prestigious wins to critical acclaim, see how their talent has been recognized by the film industry and major award bodies.
Movies Featuring William Powell
The Thin Man
Mister Roberts
The Great Ziegfeld
Another Thin Man
Shadow of the Thin Man
Life with Father
Cinecittà Babilonia: Sex, Drugs and Black Shirts
William Powell: A True Gentleman
Myrna Loy: So Nice to Come Home To
Hollywood Out-takes and Rare Footage
Going Hollywood: The ’30s
James Stewart: A Wonderful Life
The Spencer Tracy Legacy: A Tribute by Katharine Hepburn
Ziegfeld Follies
Pointed Heels
The Greene Murder Case
One Way Passage
Manhattan Melodrama
The Hoodlum Saint
Behind the Make-Up
The Big Parade of Comedy
Hollywood: The Selznick Years
Too Many Kisses
Take One False Step
Beau Sabreur
A New Romance of Celluloid: The Miracle of Sound
Love Crazy
Double Harness
Interference
Forgotten Faces
Star of Midnight
Crossroads
The Youngest Profession
Dancing in the Dark
The Great Morgan
When Knighthood Was in Flower
From the Ends of the Earth
Shadow of the Law
Rendezvous
The Key
High Pressure
Libeled Lady
Jewel Robbery
Fashions of 1934
The Great Gatsby
Paramount on Parade
The Heavenly Body
Street of Chance
The Four Feathers
The Emperor’s Candlesticks
Private Detective 62
Twenty Years After
Feel My Pulse
The Treasure of Lost Canyon
Evelyn Prentice
Special Delivery
I Love You Again
The Kennel Murder Case
Man of the World
The Thin Man Goes Home
The Girl Who Had Everything
Reckless
How to Marry a Millionaire
Hollywood: Style Center of the World
Nevada
Lawyer Man
Ladies’ Man
It’s a Big Country
Song of the Thin Man
My Man Godfrey
The Benson Murder Case
Sherlock Holmes
Beau Geste
La Fiesta de Santa Barbara
The Senator Was Indiscreet
Harlow: The Blonde Bombshell
The Ex-Mrs. Bradford
The Canary Murder Case
The Last of Mrs. Cheyney
After the Thin Man
Charming Sinners
The Road to Singapore
The Romance of Celluloid
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of William Powell, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
1947
Life with Father
Song of the Thin Man
Nick Charles
The Senator Was Indiscreet
Senator Melvin G. Ashton
1944
The Heavenly Body
William S. Whitley
Twenty Years After
(archive footage)
The Thin Man Goes Home
Nick Charles
1940
A New Romance of Celluloid: The Miracle of Sound
Self
I Love You Again
Larry Wilson aka George Carey
Hollywood: Style Center of the World
Self
1937
The Emperor’s Candlesticks
Baron Stephan Wolensky
The Last of Mrs. Cheyney
Charles
The Romance of Celluloid
Self (archive footage)
1936
The Great Ziegfeld
Libeled Lady
William 'Bill' Stephens Chandler
My Man Godfrey
Godfrey
The Ex-Mrs. Bradford
Dr. Lawrence 'Brad' Bradford
After the Thin Man
Nick Charles
1935
Star of Midnight
Clay Dalzell
Rendezvous
Lt. William 'Bill' Gordon / Anson Meridan
Reckless
Ned Riley
La Fiesta de Santa Barbara
Self
1934
The Thin Man
Manhattan Melodrama
Jim Wade
The Key
Capt. Bill Tennant
Fashions of 1934
Sherwood Nash
Evelyn Prentice
John Prentice
1933
Double Harness
John Fletcher
Private Detective 62
Donald Free
The Kennel Murder Case
Philo Vance
1932
One Way Passage
Dan Hardesty
High Pressure
Gar Evans
Jewel Robbery
The Robber
Lawyer Man
Anton Adam
1930
Behind the Make-Up
Gardoni
Shadow of the Law
Jim Montgomery aka John Nelson
Paramount on Parade
Philo Vance
Street of Chance
John D. Marsden / 'Natural' Davis
The Benson Murder Case
Philo Vance
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