In 1938, Powell was diagnosed with cancer of the rectum. Rather than undergo a colostomy, he agreed to an experimental treatment where platinum needles containing radium pellets were inserted into Powell`s body, where they remained for six months, by which time his cancer had gone into remission. It was many years before he publicly revealed he had had cancer. At the time of his illness and recovery, his agent explained his absence to the press first by saying he was recuperating from an eye injury, and later that he had undergone a routine abdominal operation.

Purchased for Jean Harlow a 150-carat sapphire engagement ring for $20,000, and presented it to her for Christmas of 1936.

Although he and Carole Lombard divorced in 1933, they remained close friends until her death in 1942.

Produced a Broadway play, "Revolt" in 1928, written by Harry Wagstaff Gribble. It flopped.

Leo Kottke composed an instrumental song entitled `William Powell`; the studio version appears on Kottke`s 1989 album "My Father`s Face", and a live version on 1995`s "Leo Kottke Live".

He and Casey Stengel were in the same class in Central High School in Kansas City, Missouri.

His son stabbed himself to death while taking a shower. He left a 4-page good-bye letter to his father, with whom he was very close.

Dated Jean Harlow for two years before her death. Her mother forced him to pay for her funeral, costing $30,000. He had initially refused but did so to avoid negative publicity. For many years Powell made sure fresh flowers were always present at her grave.

He had known Diana Lewis only three weeks when they married January 6, 1940.

hated talkative people

loved jig saw puzzles