[2] Powell was born in Columbus, Ohio, and studied theater at Northwestern University.
[3] She also performed as a singer in night clubs, including the Blue Angel, Bon Soir, hungry i and Purple Onion.
"[4] On television, Powell portrayed Aunt Birdie Clayborn on The Secret Storm and Portia Fitzsimmons on Dark Shadows.
She was seen in commercials for other products, including Downy water softener, Playtex bras, and Benson & Hedges cigarettes.
[4] On stage, Powell toured with José Ferrer in After the Fall and with Joel Grey in Stop the World, I Want to Get Off.