Powell, Dick, 1904-1963

Richard Ewing "Dick" Powell was a film actor, producer, director, and singer, born in 1904 to Ewing Powell and Sallie Thompson. He began his career as a singer and band leader in the early 1920s; in 1932 Warner Brothers offered him a contract and his first film role. In 1940, after appearing in many romantic comedies, Powell signed with Paramount Pictures. In 1944, he was cast as the detective Philip Marlowe in the first of a series of film noir productions that cemented his reputation as a dramatic actor.

In the 1950s, Powell moved behind the camera, directing five films between 1953 and 1958 including the Howard Hughes-produced The Conuqueror (1956). He also co-founded Four Star Television, a production company, directing and acting. Powell died in 1963.

Source:

"Show Business Whos Who at Powell Funeral". Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester, New York. Saturday, January 5, 1963.