Quick Facts
VirgoBiography
Diana Lewis (September 18, 1919 – January 18, 1997) was an American film actress and a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer contract star.
Born in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Lewis began her film career in It's a Gift (1934) and worked steadily over the next few years, usually in minor roles. Her more notable films include It's a Gift (1934), Gold Diggers in Paris (1938), Go West (1940) and Johnny Eager (1941). She was the love interest of Andy Hardy as Daphne Fowler in Andy Hardy Meets Debutante (1940).
Marriage(s)
She met the actor William Powell (27 years her senior) in 1940, married after a courtship of three weeks and retired from acting in 1943. The couple remained together for forty-four years until Powell's death at age 91 in 1984.
Death
Lewis died from pancreatic cancer in Rancho Mirage, California, aged 77. She was interred at Cathedral City's Desert Memorial Park in Riverside County, California, alongside Powell, and her stepson, William David Powell.
Affiliations and honors
Lewis was an active supporter of women's golf and the LPGA. The LPGA's William and Mousie Powell Award is named in honor of the Powells.
In 2000, a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs, California, Walk of Stars was dedicated to her.
Complete filmography
- It's a Gift (1934)
- One Hour Late (1935) (uncredited)
- Enter Madame (1935)
- All the King's Horses (1935) (uncredited)
- Choose Your Partners (1935 short)
- Grand Slam Opera (1936 short)
- Love Nest on Wheels (1937 short)
- He Couldn't Say No (1938)
- Gold Diggers in Paris (1938)
- First Offenders (1939)
- Forty Little Mothers (1940)
- Andy Hardy Meets Debutante (1940)
- Bitter Sweet (1940 film) (1940)
- Go West (1940)
- The People vs. Dr. Kildare (1941)
- Johnny Eager (1941)
- Whistling in Dixie (1942)
- Cry "Havoc" (1943)