William Horatio Powell (July 29, 1892 â€" 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).An only child, Powell was born in Pittsburgh to Nettie Manila
(née Brady) and Horatio Warren Powell, on July 29, 1892.In 1907, he
moved with his family to Kansas City, Missouri, where he graduated
from Central High School in 1911. The Powells lived just a few blocks
away from the Carpenters, whose daughter Harlean also went to
Hollywood under the name Jean Harlow, although she and he did not meet
until both were established actors.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. He later performed as Francis I
in When Knighthood Was in Flower with Marion Davies, which was
considered the most expensive film ever produced at the time.
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).An only child, Powell was born in Pittsburgh to Nettie Manila
(née Brady) and Horatio Warren Powell, on July 29, 1892.In 1907, he
moved with his family to Kansas City, Missouri, where he graduated
from Central High School in 1911. The Powells lived just a few blocks
away from the Carpenters, whose daughter Harlean also went to
Hollywood under the name Jean Harlow, although she and he did not meet
until both were established actors.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. He later performed as Francis I
in When Knighthood Was in Flower with Marion Davies, which was
considered the most expensive film ever produced at the time.
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