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William Powell

Birth Name:
William Horatio Powell
Birth Place:
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Profession
Actor, Soundtrack
William Powell

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
  • 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
  • Did not accept many film roles following several personal hardships that included a cancer diagnosis and the untimely death of then-girlfriend, Jean Harlow

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
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