Lovelady “Lovey” Powell, a talented performer on New York’s stage and screen, has died on February 2, 2020. She was 89.
Ms. Powell grew up in Columbus, Ohio. She studied theater at Northwestern University and at age 19 moved to New York to become an actor. After some small roles in the mid-1950s “Look up and Live” and “The Secret Storm,” she partnered with Brooks Morton (pianist) and Hal Holbrook (actor) opening the “let’s-put-on-a-show” nightclub, Upstairs at the Duplex, located in the West Village.
She was known as an “enchantress” for her theatrical musical performances. In 1956, she made the album “Lovelady” featuring the song “Ten Cents a Dance.”
From 1960 to 1963, she performed in Julius Monk’s cabaret revues at the Upstairs at the Downstairs. She played Millie Slavin in “Riverwind” (1962), she appeared on “The Danny Kaye Show” (1963). She played Norma, the mistress of Gene Hackman’s character in “I Never Sang for My Father” (1970), Erika in “The Possession of Joel Delaney” (1972), and Madeline in “The Happy Hooker” (1975).
In the 1970s, she was voice and screen talent for a grocery list of brands including Virginia Slims and Lavoris. Her rich, bold voice had its own persona.
In 1965, Ms. Powell met the actress and model Peggy White of Carrizo Springs, Texas. The two spent 35 years together in Sag Harbor, where they owned the Glad Hand Antique Shop. Ms. Powell was a lover of animals, in particular, her many terriers and her beloved poodle Toots.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Betty Williard; stepfather Gale Powell; and her partner, Peggy White. She is survived by many who loved her.
A memorial service is being planned for the future in Sag Harbor.
27east on Feb 10, 2020