Actor William Powell dies aged 91

Press, 7 March 1984, Page 10

Actor William Powell dies aged 91

NZPA-AP Palm Springs ‘ . California * The actor, William .Powell, the dapper, sophisticated ..leading ’ man in scores of films during the *l93osand IMOs and the wise-cracking detective in the “Thin Man” movies series, has. died. He was 91., ■;. pow'ell died, frojii natural Causes in hospital, said Gloria Green, afßmily’’friend. With Kim was: Diana, his

wife of 44 years. Powell, who earlier had survived an attack of cancer, had lived in quiet retirement at the desert resort of Palm Springs since - the mid 19505. He was perhaps best known for his role as the suave detective, Nick Charles, in the “Thin Man” /film series, in which he costarred with Myrna Loy. Light comedy was his

forte, but he was a skilled performer and was convincing in many roles, including tough guys. His trademarks were impeccable attire and a closeclipped moustache. He began as a stage actor and starred on Broadway and in silent films. He was one of the top performers at the MGM studio during Hollywood’s golden years, when the studio had many of the great film names under contract.

Among his pictures were ‘The Great Ziegfeld,” “One Way Passage,” “My Man Godfrey,” and “Life with Father.”