Cultivate solitude and quiet and a few sincere friends, rather than mob merriment, noise and thousands of nodding acquaintances.

In 1978 influential proto-punk band The Dictators recorded a well reviewed rock ballad "Sleepin' With The TV On" in homage to William Powell and The Thin Man films. In 1957 Powell was awarded The George Eastman Award given by George Eastman House for distinguiWilliam Powelld contribution to the art of film. Death
Powell died of heart failure in Palm Springs California on March 5 1984 at the age of 91 some 30 years after his retirement.

William Powell was not related to David Powell Dick Powell Eleanor Powell or Jane Powell. William Horatio Powell (July 29 1892 – March 5 1984) was an American actor. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor three times: for The Thin Man (1934) My Man Godfrey (1936) and Life with Father (1947).