William Horatio Powell (July 29, 1892 – March 5, 1984) was an American actor, known primarily for his film career.

Under contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, he was paired with Myrna Loy in 14 films, including the Thin Man series based on the Nick and Nora Charles characters created by Dashiell Hammett.

[2][3] In 1907, young William moved with his family to Kansas City, Missouri, where he graduated from Central High School four years later.

[citation needed] After high school, Powell enrolled at the University of Kansas to study law, but after a week he relocated to New York City, where he attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Powell had been unhappy with his previous marriage to popular actor Carole Lombard, and this apparently kept him from entering a similar arrangement with Harlow, who was a sex symbol to the film-going public during that time.

Powell's son became a television writer and producer before a period of ill health and depression led to his suicide in 1968.

Given his own health and sorrow over Jean Harlow's death, Powell did not undertake any film roles for more than a year during this period.

He is buried at the Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City, California, near his third wife, Diana Lewis, and his only child, William David Powell.

[1][22] New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor in 1947 for Life with Father and The Senator Was Indiscreet.