Dick Powell

Date of Birth: November 14, 1904

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: January 2, 1963

Biography

Richard Ewing Powell, known as Dick Powell, was an American actor, singer, producer, and director. Born on November 14, 1904, in Mountain View, Arkansas, Powell began his career as a singer in the early 1930s. He first gained fame for his roles in musical films such as “42nd Street” (1933) and “Gold Diggers of 1933” (1933). Known for his boyish charm and smooth singing voice, Powell became one of Hollywood’s most popular musical stars during the Great Depression. In the mid-1940s, Powell made a successful transition to more serious roles, particularly in film noir. His portrayal of hard-boiled detective Philip Marlowe in “Murder, My Sweet” (1944) was a turning point in his career, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Powell continued to star in a variety of genres, including comedies, dramas, and westerns. Later in his career, Powell ventured into television and became a pioneering figure in the medium. He produced and hosted the successful anthology series “Dick Powell’s Zane Grey Theatre” (1956-1961) and was instrumental in the creation of Four Star Television, which produced numerous hit TV series. Powell was married three times, most notably to actress June Allyson, with whom he had two children. He passed away on January 2, 1963, in West Los Angeles, California, leaving behind a legacy as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and beloved entertainers.

5 Interesting Facts about Dick Powell

1. Dick Powell was the first actor to play private detective Philip Marlowe on the big screen.

2. He co-founded Four Star Television, which produced popular TV shows like “The Rifleman” and “Burke’s Law.”

3. Powell was a licensed pilot and often flew his own plane.

4. He was initially reluctant to take on the role of Philip Marlowe, fearing it would damage his image as a musical star.

5. Powell’s transition from musical comedy to film noir was considered one of the most successful career shifts in Hollywood history.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Dick Powell

1. “The best thing I can say about the job is that the work is steady.”

2. “I’ve always been afraid of failure, and I’ve always been afraid of success.”

3. “I never wanted to be a singer. I wanted to be an actor.”

4. “I don’t want to be typed. I don’t want to have to play the same type of part for the rest of my life.”

5. “Television is a medium because anything well done is rare.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Dick Powell’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, which would be significantly higher when adjusted for inflation.

Children

Dick Powell had three children: 1. Ellen Powell (with first wife Mildred Maund) 2. Pamela Powell (with second wife Joan Blondell) 3. Richard Powell Jr. and Pamela Allyson Powell (adopted) (with third wife June Allyson)