Join or Sign In

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

William Powell Biography

Birth Name:William Horatio Powell

Birth Place:Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Profession Actor, Soundtrack

Fast Facts

Awarded the George Eastman Award by the George Eastman House in 1957 for his contribution to film
Graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts at the age of 20
Following early success on Broadway, he began working in Hollywood in 1922, but would gain leading man status after starring in 1934's "The Thin Man", a role he would go on to reprise in six separate films
Most known for being paired with leading lady Myrna Loy, the two of which would go on to appear in 14 films together
Did not accept many film roles following several personal hardships that included a cancer diagnosis and the untimely death of then-girlfriend, Jean Harlow
After being diagnosed with colon cancer in 1938, he opted against traditional treatment and agreed to try an experimental method that included radium pellets being inserted into his body for six months at a time

Awards

1923Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (July): winner
1926Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (November): winner
1928Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (July): winner
1928Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (December): winner
1929Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (February): winner
1929Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (September): winner
1930Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (February): winner
1930Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (March): winner
1930Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (September): winner
1931Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (May): winner
1932Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (October): winner
1933Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (September): winner
1934Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (August): winner
1934Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (March): winner
1934Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (July): winner
1935Oscar-Best Actor in a Leading Role: nominated
1935Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (January): winner
1935Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (June): winner
1936Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (June): winner
1936Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (August): winner
1936Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (December): winner
1937Oscar-Best Actor in a Leading Role: nominated
1937Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (February): winner
1937Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (September): winner
1937Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (December): winner
1938Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (May): winner
1940Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (January): winner
1940Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (October): winner
1947NYFCC Award-Best Actor: winner
1947Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (November): winner
1948Oscar-Best Actor in a Leading Role: nominated
1948Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (March): winner
1948Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (October): winner
1949Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (September): winner
1950Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (February): winner