RIP JANE POWELL

1929-2021

Jane Powell was born in Portland, Oregon, as Suzanne Lorraine Burce. 

Through the 1940s and 1950s, she had a successful career in movie musicals. However, in 1957, her career in films ended, as she had outgrown her innocent girl-next-door image. She has made brief returns to acting in front of the camera – on television, in commercials, and in a workout video. She had a variety of roles on stage after the end of her movie career. 

Powell’s greatest fame came as the star of MGM’s Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) which was referenced on the “I Love Lucy” episode “Lucy in the Swiss Alps” (ILL S5;E21) in 1956, and

In “Ricky Needs an Agent” (ILL S4;E29) as “Seven Brides for Seven Cubans” when agent Lucille McGilliucuddy is proposing possible projects for Ricky so that MGM won’t release him from his contract. But, inevitably, ”He’s released.”

“I didn’t quit movies. They quit me.” ~ Jane Powell

Lucille Ball and Jane Powell appeared on the same television programs three times. On Valentine’s Day 1954, Ed Sullivan’s TOAST OF THE TOWN presented “MGM’s 30th Anniversary Tribute”. As new MGM stars for their film The Long, Long Trailer, Lucy and Desi walked the red carpet along with Powell, who later performed “The Jewel Song” from Faust.  She was also seen in a clip from MGM’s Royal Wedding (1951). 

In 1985, Powell joined Lucille Ball, Lucie Arnaz, and 97 other celebrities for “Night of 100 Stars II” at Radio City Music Hall. 

Finally, both Powell and Ball were seen in “Happy 100th Birthday, Hollywood” on May 18, 1987.

This was a two-hour special on ABC TV that won an Emmy for editing.

Jane Powell was married five times and had three children. She was 92 years old.