William Powell
William Powell
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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William Powell was a renowned American actor, best known by his screen name "Bill Powell".
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: July 29, 1892, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Died: March 5, 1984, at the age of 91
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Powell was an American actor who spent most of his career working in Hollywood. He began as a stage actor before transitioning to film.
Early Life and Background
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William Powell was born on July 29, 1892, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to William Frederick Powell and Anna Smith Powell. His family moved to Kansas City when he was just five years old. Powell's early life was marked by a strong passion for the performing arts, which began with amateur theatrical performances at school.
Major Accomplishments
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Powell's acting career spanned over four decades, during which he appeared in more than 50 films. He is perhaps best known for his collaborations with fellow actor Myrna Loy in movies such as "The Thin Man" series and "Libeled Lady".
Some of Powell's most notable film roles include:
Thin Man series (1934-1940): a series of comedy-mystery films that cemented his partnership with Myrna Loy
My Man Godfrey (1936): a screwball comedy where he starred alongside Carole Lombard
* Libeled Lady (1936): a romantic comedy co-starring Jean Harlow and Myrna Loy
Notable Works or Actions
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Powell's performances in the "Thin Man" series showcased his on-screen chemistry with Myrna Loy. The films' blend of witty dialogue, humor, and mystery cemented their places as some of the most iconic movies of the 1930s.
In addition to his film work, Powell was also an advocate for the arts. He served as a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Board of Governors and worked with various organizations to promote the preservation of classic films.
Impact and Legacy
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Powell's legacy extends far beyond his on-screen performances. His dedication to the film industry helped shape its future, while his collaborations with other actors remain some of the most memorable in cinema history.
William Powell passed away on March 5, 1984, at the age of 91. He left behind a lasting impact on the world of cinema and continues to be celebrated for his contributions as an actor and advocate.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Powell's quotes from films like "The Thin Man" series and "My Man Godfrey" remain some of the most memorable lines in movie history. His witty one-liners, combined with his on-screen chemistry with Myrna Loy, make him a beloved figure among film enthusiasts.
Powell's commitment to the arts has inspired generations of actors and filmmakers. His enduring legacy serves as a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and passion for one's craft.
Quotes by William Powell
It seems acceptable today to scream for revolution, without any concept of what will follow it. This is just what the forces at large want, for who will follow a man who doesn’t know where he’s going?
I detest symbolic protest, as it is an outcry of weak, middle-of-the-road, liberal eunuchs. If an individual feels strongly enough about something to do something about it, then he shouldn’t prostitute himself by doing something symbolic. He should get out and do something real.
I can fully appreciate the fury and anger that a person can feel when put through a humiliating experience by a cop, but I would recommend strongly that a person maintain his cool, and in no circumstances lose his temper. If you lose your temper, you are playing right into the cop’s hands.
I do not hold that because the author did a bad job of writing the player need trump it with the same kind of acting. When I go into a picture I have only one character to look after. If the author didn’t do him justice, I try to add whatever the creator of the part overlooked.
Since shotguns are not military weapons, your local sporting goods dealer will have good information about them, as long as you aren’t black, Spanish, or a white freak.
My friends have stood by me marvelously in the ups and downs of my career. I don’t believe there is anything more worthwhile in life than friendship. Friendship is a far better thing than love, as it is commonly accepted.
Have you noticed that the people who actually make the laws, the people in power, never make laws for themselves?
A word of advice: If you get the choice between the upper and lower bunks in a cell, choose the lower. Prisons do not turn off their lights at night, and I spent a sleepless night, without a mattress, with a five-hundred-watt bulb shining directly into my eyes.
Unfortunately, or perhaps it is fortunate that I have always been forced to stand on my acting ability. I haven't a personality such as Jack Gilbert's, for instance, that attracts women and makes them like me for myself. When I am on the screen I must make them forget me entirely and think only of my acting.