Described as a very large man, Purcell played primarily supporting character roles over his forty-two year theatrical career.

Purcell was discharged in late August of that year, about a month after seeing action at the First Battle of Bull Run in Northern Virginia.

[2] Purcell was the author of a number of plays, including Manassas, a Civil War Drama, The Millerties and Bailey Neck.

Early in her career Purcell joined Minnie Maddern's company and later as a member of the Castle Square Theatre received praise for his portrayal of Admiral Farragut and Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles in productions of William Haworth’s The Ensign that were staged in the late 1890s.

[2][3][4] Declining health forced his retirement in 1905 and for a time Purcell lived on a farm he'd purchased in the Adirondack region of Upstate New York.