Stefanie Powers

Stefanie Powers, born Stefania Zofya Paul on November 2, 1942, in Hollywood, California, began her career early, dancing for the Michele Paniaff Ballet Company and Jerome Robbins as a teenager. By the age of 16, she secured a contract with Columbia Pictures, a studio system that saw her appear in 15 motion pictures. Her talent also led to a loan-out to United Artists for the John Wayne production of “McLintock!” in 1963. MGM Television later acquired her contract, casting her as the lead in the television series “The Girl from U.N.C.L.E.” (1966), a role that showcased her dynamic on-screen presence. Her television career expanded significantly with over 200 guest appearances, 18 mini-series, and two more weekly series: “The Feather and Father Gang” (1976) and the popular “Hart to Hart” (1979).

Her career continued to thrive with diverse roles across various mediums. On stage, Powers debuted in “Under the Yum Yum Tree” in San Francisco in 1964, a production that ran for 12 years. She has performed on and off Broadway, in West End musicals such as “Matador,” and in plays like “Love Letters.” Her British stage appearances include “The King and I,” “The Adjustment,” and “84 Charing Cross Road.” In recent years, she has continued to act, appearing in the 2018 film “The Artist’s Wife” alongside Lena Olin and Bruce Dern, and reprising her stage role in “84 Charing Cross Road” in London. Throughout her career, Powers has received five Emmy nominations for acting and a People’s Choice Award, along with a nomination from the Writers’ Guild of America for her script of “Family Secrets.”

Beyond her acting career, Stefanie Powers dedicates a significant portion of her life to wildlife conservation. Following the passing of her long-time partner, William Holden, she established the William Holden Wildlife Foundation. Her tireless fieldwork in conservation has earned her numerous fellowships and awards. She is a faculty member of the Oxford Literary Festival at Christ Church College, Oxford, where she leads forums on environmental issues. Powers has also served on the boards of four zoos in North America and is an independent board member for a cluster of mutual funds within American Funds. She further contributed to public education by presenting the PBS 13-part series, “Funding Your Dreams,” which provided guidance for women on investment options.