William David Powell was the only child of actor William Powell and actress Eileen Wilson, who were married in 1925 and divorced in 1930. He followed his parents’ footsteps and became a television writer and producer, working on shows such as Bonanza, Death Valley, 77 Sunset Strip and Rawhide. He also held an executive position at NBC. However, his life was cut short by a shocking suicide in 1968, when he was only 43 years old. What drove him to such a desperate act? And how did his father cope with the loss of his son? This article will explore the tragic story of William David Powell, the son of a Hollywood legend.
Early Life and Education
William David Powell was born on February 27, 1925 in New York City. He was the result of a brief reconciliation between his parents, who had a tumultuous marriage marked by separations and affairs. His father, William Powell, was a famous actor who starred in films such as The Thin Man, My Man Godfrey and The Great Ziegfeld. His mother, Eileen Wilson, was a singer and actress who appeared in Broadway musicals and silent films.
William David Powell grew up in California, where his father moved after his divorce from his mother. He attended Beverly Hills High School and later graduated from Princeton University, magna cum laude in English. He was interested in writing and literature, and also enjoyed sports and music.
Career and Marriage
After college, William David Powell pursued a career in television writing and production. He started as a story editor and coordinator at Warner Bros., where he worked on popular shows such as Bonanza and 77 Sunset Strip. He later became an associate producer at Universal Studios, where he contributed to shows such as Death Valley and Rawhide. He also wrote several episodes for these shows, as well as for other series such as Maverick and The Virginian.
On December 22, 1956, William David Powell married Patricia Parsons, a former child actress who had appeared in films such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Little Princess. The wedding ceremony was held at the home of his father in Palm Springs, California, with his father as the best man and Parsons’ sister as the matron of honor. The couple honeymooned in Las Vegas, Nevada.
However, the marriage did not last long. They divorced on September 19, 1957, after less than a year of marriage. The reason for their split was not disclosed to the public, but some sources suggest that they had different personalities and interests.
Depression and Suicide
In the late 1960s, William David Powell’s health and career began to decline. He suffered from depression, hepatitis and kidney problems that forced him to quit writing. He also had trouble finding work in the television industry, which was undergoing changes due to the rise of color TV and new genres.
On March 13, 1968, William David Powell took his own life by stabbing himself repeatedly in the upper body while in the shower. He left a four-page note addressed to his father, to whom he was still very close. The last two sentences were revealed to the public: “Things aren’t so good here. I’m going where it’s better.” According to Wikipedia.
His father was devastated by his son’s death. He reportedly said: “He was my whole life.” According to The Debonairs. He also blamed himself for not being able to help his son overcome his problems. He said: “I should have been there for him.” According to Laid to Rest in California.
William David Powell was buried at Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City, California, where his father and his father’s last wife, Diana Lewis, are also buried.
Legacy
William David Powell’s death was a tragic end to a promising life and career. He left behind a legacy of television scripts and episodes that are still enjoyed by many viewers today. He also left behind a grieving father who never recovered from his loss.
William David Powell’s life and death are a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support. His suicide also shows that fame and fortune are not enough to guarantee happiness and fulfillment. His story is one of both success and sorrow, of both talent and tragedy.
