About
William Horatio Powell (July 29, 1892 – March 5, 1984) was an American actor. A major star at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, he was paired with Myrna Loy in 14 films, including the Thin Man series based on the Nick and Nora Charles characters created by Dashiell Hammett. Powell 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). 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 vaudeville and stock companies. After several successful experiences on the Broadway stage, he began his Hollywood career in 1922, playing a small role as an evil henchman of Professor Moriarty in a production of Sherlock Holmes with John Barrymore. His most memorable role in silent movies was as a bitter film director...
Known for
How to Marry a MillionaireMovie • 1953
The Thin ManMovie • 1934
My Man GodfreyMovie • 1936
The Great ZiegfeldMovie • 1936
After the Thin ManMovie • 1936
Mister RobertsMovie • 1955
I Love You AgainMovie • 1940
Song of the Thin ManMovie • 1947
Ziegfeld FolliesMovie • 1945
Libeled LadyMovie • 1936
Evelyn PrenticeMovie • 1934
Manhattan MelodramaMovie • 1934
Life with FatherMovie • 1947
Shadow of the Thin ManMovie • 1941
That's Entertainment, Part IIMovie • 1976
The Thin Man Goes HomeMovie • 1944
Mr. Peabody and the MermaidMovie • 1948
Love CrazyMovie • 1941
One Way PassageMovie • 1932
The Kennel Murder CaseMovie • 1933
The Ex-Mrs. BradfordMovie • 1936
Another Thin ManMovie • 1939
Fashions of 1934Movie • 1934
Double WeddingMovie • 1937