Screenwriter. He was an American television screenwriter of the mid-20th century. Born the only child of three-time Academy Award-nominated actor William Powell and his first wife, Eileen Wilson, he was born during a reconciliation of his parents' on-again-off-again marriage. His parents finally divorced when he was five years old. Although some sources claim he was William Powell, Jr., he was not a junior as the father and son had different middle names. He graduated from Princeton, magna cum laude in English. On December 22, 1956, at age 31, Powell married former child actress Patricia Parsons, but the couple were divorced less than a year later on September 19, 1957. He would become a television writer whose work was seen on such series as "Bonanza," "Death Valley," "Rawhide," and "77 Sunset Strip." He served as an associate producer at Warner Brothers Studios and at Universal Studios as well as holding a position at NBC. After being diagnosed with the life-threatening health issues of hepatitis and renal failure, he became very depressed as he was unable to work and committed suicide at age 42. His father was buried beside him in 1984.
Screenwriter. He was an American television screenwriter of the mid-20th century. Born the only child of three-time Academy Award-nominated actor William Powell and his first wife, Eileen Wilson, he was born during a reconciliation of his parents' on-again-off-again marriage. His parents finally divorced when he was five years old. Although some sources claim he was William Powell, Jr., he was not a junior as the father and son had different middle names. He graduated from Princeton, magna cum laude in English. On December 22, 1956, at age 31, Powell married former child actress Patricia Parsons, but the couple were divorced less than a year later on September 19, 1957. He would become a television writer whose work was seen on such series as "Bonanza," "Death Valley," "Rawhide," and "77 Sunset Strip." He served as an associate producer at Warner Brothers Studios and at Universal Studios as well as holding a position at NBC. After being diagnosed with the life-threatening health issues of hepatitis and renal failure, he became very depressed as he was unable to work and committed suicide at age 42. His father was buried beside him in 1984.
Bio by: Linda Davis
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