Eileen Wilson Powell - a short biography

It is easy to forget that William Powell was married before Carole Lombard, especially as very little information is known about the first Mrs Powell. But, for those of you interested in old Hollywood or Bill's personal life, here is a short biography about Eileen Wilson Powell's life and career.

Julia Mary Tierney was born on the 9th April, 1894, in New York City, to Thomas Tierney and Mary Tierney, née Hyde. She also had a brother, Joseph, but it is unknown whether he was younger or older then her.

Julia attended school in Mount Vernon and began her career at a young age, taking on the stage name of Eileen Wilson. She acted in supporting roles in stock companies and Vaudeville, and later became a big success on Broadway in productions such as Within the Law (1913), King of Nowhere (1916), The Love Drive (1917), In for the Night (1917), No More Blondes (1920), The Lady of the Lamp (1920), East is West (1922), Partners Again (1922), The Night Duel (1926), The Little Spitfire (1926-1927), Burlesque (1927–1928), and Peter Flies High (1931).

It was whilst acting in Within the Law (1913) that Eileen met William Powell, who was also in the play. After two years of acting together, they were married on the 15th April, 1915.

Unfortunately, after nearly ten years of marriage, the Powell's decided to separate, but remain married, as neither wanted a divorce.

Eileen continued acting. However, in 1924, she decided to travel and her first destination was to Italy. By pure coincidence her estranged husband was also in Italy and this chance meeting brought about a reconciliation when the two decided to give their marriage another go. The result of this: on the 27th February 1925, William and Eileen's only child, a son, William David Powell, was born.

Sadly the reconciliation was short lived. After another year together, Bill and Eileen decided to separate again. Finally divorcing in 1931, as William had fallen in love with the actress Carole Lombard and wanted to get married.

Throughout, and in the years after, their divorce, Eileen and William remained close friends. So much so, that when Bill moved to California, he asked Eileen to move close to him so he could see William Jr. more often.

Eileen died very suddenly on the 12th September, 1948, at a Manhattan Hospital at the young age of 48. Like many facts of her life, the cause of Eileen's death is unknown. She is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Los Angeles.