ADDISON POWELL

ADDISON POWELL obituary, Shelburne, VT

ADDISON POWELL

ADDISON POWELL Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 12, 2010.
ADDISON POWELL SHELBURNE - Addison Powell, 89, passed away Monday evening, to the sounds of Vivaldi and The Beatles, and in the loving company of his three children. A film and stage actor, a WWII navigator, and a son of New England, Powell had lived in Vermont for 22 years, most recently in Shelburne Bay, an independent living community. He loved country walks, landscape painting, good books and a good joke, not to mention Handel on his DVD player and a BLT from Burlington Bay Market. To sit in the cool shadow of birches and pines on the porch of his summer cottage on Lake Champlain, built by his grandfather in 1900, was his great pleasure. He enjoyed a long career as a New York City-based stage, screen and TV actor. He played the CIA heavy in "Three Days of the Condor", a 1970s-era thriller, and his photograph, face to face with that other actor, Robert Redford (Redford's gun is nuzzled under Powell's chin) has appeared around the world. He played the father of the sizzling Jean Seberg in "In the French Style'; a hip bank robber in 'The Thomas Crown Affair' with Steve McQueen; a starchy Admiral Nimitz in "MacArthur", with Gregory Peck; and a hard-boiled detective in "Contract on Cherry Street" with Frank Sinatra. He won an Obie for his performance as Willie Oban in "The Iceman Cometh" at Circle in the Square, a production that included Jason Robards and Peter Falk. On stage, he received fine notices in 'Coastal Disturbances', which featured the Broadway debut of Annette Bening. He did television turns on "Gunsmoke" and "Bob Newhart" and appeared on the first episodes of "Law and Order" and "Mod Squad." He also played the evil Dr. Lang in 'Dark Shadows', a 1960s TV camp classic that years later garnered him the occasional letter from the slightly obsessed fan. He always was thrilled they remembered. Born in Belmont, Mass. in 1921, the son of school teachers, he graduated from Boston University and joined the Army Air Force. Based in East Anglia, he flew 30 missions as a navigator in a B-17. After the war, he graduated from Yale Drama School. In 1950, he married a Michigan girl, Bunnie Rowley and they raised three children in the tightly knit vertical block association that is an Upper West Side apartment building. As his was a life and not a Hollywood movie, he knew joy and disappointments, and out of the complications of the latter came his longstanding membership in the fine fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. Bunnie died in 1995 and he never remarried. He is survived by his three children and their spouses, Mary Powell and Mark Brooks of South Hero, Julie and Richard Elmore of Westford, and Michael Powell and Evelyn Intondi of Brooklyn. His younger and beloved brother, Edward, also survives him; as do his eight grand- children, Katie, Anthony, Michael, Nicholas, Tony, Aidan, Calvin, and Alexandra. They were his diamonds. Those wishing to make a donation in his memory may do so to either the Sudan Development Foundation 139 Elmwood Avenue Burlington, VT or the Veterans Bedside Network, 10 Fiske Place, Room 328, Mt. Vernon, NY 10550.

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August 8, 2025

Julie posted to the memorial.

November 6, 2022

Michael Comella posted to the memorial.

August 7, 2022

Dan Smith posted to the memorial.

Julie

August 8, 2025

I really enjoyed your acting roles on Dark Shadows.
Rest in peace

Michael Comella

November 6, 2022

Still missed. From a devoted Dark Shadows/Dr. Eric Lang Fan

Dan Smith

August 7, 2022

I am currently watching Dark Shadows again, after a lapse of many years. Mr. Powell projected a powerful and believable presence, a true accomplishment in a role as fantastical as that of Dr. Lang. It is a pleasure to watch him perform; I am going to make it a mission to seek out his other films and shows that I can locate. My best wishes to his family and friends!

Michael Comella

November 6, 2019

I always wanted to meet Addison. RIP from a loyal Dark Shadows Fan

November 23, 2010

You were fun to watch n Dark Shadows. Thanks!

Christina Fernandez

November 18, 2010

Dear Bud,
I knew you as my best friend's Dad. Your warm reception and graciousness when teenage girls arrived at your home in the middle of the day, unannounced (and AWOL from school) was nothing less than remarkable.
You had a gift for accepting human frailties with a tenderness and kindness I'd never known. You always put me at ease and were the first adult in my life to speak to me as though I wasn't just another kid. You validated my grief when my world crumbled after my puppy died and sent me off for a grownup dinner with Julie - on you! - at Steak 'n' Brew.

When I became a full-time artist, again, you addressed me more as a peer than as a fledgling; conversing on the topic (or many others) in a way your ever-engaged and enthusiastic self never failed to do. In fact, you managed to avoid the cliched actor's vice, and had a gift for making your guest feel as though the spotlight was on them (me!).

I hope you rest easy knowing how well-loved you've been. You touched so many lives in such a meaningful, long-lasting way.

How ironic that someone who made his career by faking it, lived his life by making it so real.

God bless you, Bud, and thank you,
Tina

November 18, 2010

As a Dark Shadows fan, I really enjoyed
watching Mr Powell in his role of Dr Lang. He was an excellent actor, and even more importantly, from what I've read, he was a wonderful human being. My most sincere condolences go out to
his family.
Bruce G ( Woburn,MA)

November 18, 2010

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Powell family. I remember seeing and meeting Bud at the Friday night Atlantic group back in 1994-5 when I first moved to VT. He was warm and friendly towards me. I will miss him. I got to know him on a deeper level over the past couple of years when we met at his place for the Wednesday night meeting. I will keep his memory with me until I hopefully see him at the big meeting in the sky. He touched my life. I know he helped many men.
Love,
Chuck Doherty

David Baclaski

November 17, 2010

I was fortunate to know Addison for about five years. I was his cook for two of them. He was a wonderful man: gracious, gallant, charming, funny, smart, wise. He was full of good humor. My mother was a big Dark Shadows fan as a kid and Addison was kind enough to go out to lunch with us. Oh, he sang for his supper and made Mom so happy. He was that kind of man. I was not as able to keep in touch the last two years while he was at Shelburne, but I think of him often and have some nice photos of us on my wall. He will be missed, but I also feel blessed to have had a wonderful man like Addison in my life.

My favorite: he always called actors he didn't like "hammy". I thought that was great.

Lauri Hale

November 16, 2010

Thank you. You are an inspiration to others! God Bless YOu and RIP

Cindy Ouellette

November 15, 2010

Our family sends our condolences. Our mother was a big fan of Dark Shadows and we know that she would want us to express our sympathies.

Dave Parker

November 15, 2010

I bought the Dark Shadows dvd sets last year, and just now am at the Dr. Lang episodes! How strange the timing!! RIP.

November 15, 2010

A man is known by his children and his grandchildren. Addison Powell's son's byline is seen in The New York Times. Michael Henry shared the Pulitzer with a few others in coverage that changed things in Albany not long ago. He covered the president, Giuliani, and the economy.

When reading The New York Times, it's wise to note the byline - then read back articles on line. The work of a top reporter stands out. The New York Times has so many. Addison Powell's son Michael is one.

Ted

November 14, 2010

Mr. Powell's family should take some comfort in how his talent continues to delight audiences. My mom (who just turned 85 last week) and I are watching Dark Shadows on DVD "together" across the miles, and we e-mail almost daily to discuss what we've just seen. "Dr. Lang" has of course featured prominently in our discussions, and I almost know his entire "Julia ... if both live ..." speech by heart. Young actors should study his delivery of those lines to learn how to make dialogue so unforgettable. Heartfelt condolences.

Valerie

November 14, 2010

My condolences to Mr. Powell's family. I loved him on "Dark Shadows". Rest in peace, Mr. Powell and thank you for your service to this country.

Gary Mosher

November 14, 2010

Very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Powell. I'm a big fan of Dark Shadows and his portrayal of Dr. Lang. My condolances to the family. I enjoyed reading about his life in this obituary. Gary Mosher (Warsaw, Indiana)

Robert

November 14, 2010

My sympathies to all the family, friends and admirers of Addison Powell. Though I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr Powell, I enjoyed his work as an actor over the years. From everything I've read and heard, he sounds like he was a delightful gentleman.

Donna Corder

November 14, 2010

My condolences to your family. I am a Dark Shadows fan and Dr. Lang was one of my favorite characters.

Guy Haines

November 13, 2010

I, too, first appreciated Mr. Powell because of his performances on Dark Shadows. I think he became endeared to the DS audience, not only for those very memorable performances, but also for his skill in navigating the dangers of a virtually live television broadcast! (See Dr. Lang's scene with a malfunctioning tape recorder to appreciate Mr. Powell's calm professionalism!) After DS was cancelled it was always refreshing to see Mr. Powell in one of his films or, more frequently, as the Gorton Fisherman in the commercials. I am happy to see that his was a life well-lived and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time of loss.

Edwina Ditmore

November 13, 2010

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of this wonderful, talented man. May he rest in peace.

Michael Comella

November 13, 2010

I happen to be one of those "slightly obsessed fans" who remember Mr. Powell as Dr Eric Lang on Dark Shadows. He never received a letter from me only because I didn't know where to write. As an impressionable 11-year-old, his performace on Dark Shadows was unforgetable and unfortunately, much too short. He should have been a regular on the show. Dr Lang was one of my favorite characters and when I rewatch the show on videotape, it brings back fond memories when Dr. Lang does his thing on the show. My deepest sympathies go out to his family. It's awesome to see what a great man he was all through his life. Michael Comella

Carl Anderson

November 13, 2010

I've had the good fortune of spending quite a bit of time with 'Bud' over these last few years. It is an understatement to say that my life has been richer because of our friendship. Every Wednesday night over the last couple of years, a small group of friends has met at Bud's apartment. I'm certain that every one of us deeply senses the loss of Bud in our lives, and misses his graciousness, humor and wit. My heartfelt wishes go to Julie, Mary, Michael and their families. We'll carry you with us, Bud.

Love,

Diane LaMotte

November 13, 2010

Thanks Bud for being the man you were. I always felt I mattered when we would have our chats. Bunny must be so happy to have you back. Our prayers to Mary and all her family.

DAVID CALL

November 12, 2010

LOVE CALL FAMILY IN DECKER TOWERS

Rich Feeley

November 12, 2010

Bud was a wonderful man, and I always enjoyed whatever he had to share of his experience, strength, and hope in life. As a fellow member of "the Friends of Bill W",I felt he always added a touch of class to our community.

I will remember Bud fondly, and wish Mary, and the rest of Bud's family all the best in dealing with his passing.

"Take it easy", Bud, you sure earned a well deserved rest..

RIP

November 12, 2010

Bud was my very good friend and while we watched the light slowly fade these past couple of years, Bud would stare with those piercing eyes and drop a bomb on us...ever the accurate navigator. Bud has been a mentor and pal, a guest aboard the 'mazie c' and my traveling companion on a visit to Santa Fe some years back. Bud was an inspiring critic for me and gave me many a push to keep at it. My love to all of the Powell family, I miss him too....cheers to you Bud as the house goes dark...love, your friend, Kent Cassella

November 12, 2010

Dear Julie,

I am so sorry about the loss of your Father Addison.

I have only met him twice when he visited Allscripts, he was a remarkable man, kind and thoughtful.

May God Bless you and your family during this very difficult time.

Sincerely,

Kathy Shackett

November 12, 2010

Dear Bud was a client of mine for several years at Burns and company. I always looked forward to our conversations. Sometimes light,sometimes serious, always enlightening and wonderful,just like him. Go in peace dear friend.

brian mcclintock

November 12, 2010

Addison was a kind, intelligent soul. I enjoyed our friendship immensely; our chats while strolling the aisles of City Market will remain with me.

November 12, 2010

The Burlington Free Press has elevated the standard for Obituary.

We know the man, we feel his family, we feel the love, we experience a life well lived.

A masterpiece for a master.

November 12, 2010

I cherished every Tuesday when Bud came to McGregor's pharmacy to pick up his medicine. He called me his song of the South. We always had wonderful conversations and lots of laughs. He presented me with a DVD of Dark Shadows since I told him I used to cut classes in college to watch it. I will always have sweet memories of him. Please accept my deepest sympathy. He was a gem.
Julie Allaben

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August 8, 2025

Julie posted to the memorial.

November 6, 2022

Michael Comella posted to the memorial.

August 7, 2022

Dan Smith posted to the memorial.