Birth name

Michael Latham Powell appears in film reference works and LOC authorities (Powell, Michael, 1905–1990) (LOC). Latham was a middle name; he did not invent "Powell" as a stage surname.

The Archers with Emeric Pressburger

Powell formed one of British cinema's great partnerships with writer Emeric Pressburger as The Archers. Landmark titles include The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp, A Matter of Life and Death (Stairway to Heaven), Black Narcissus, and The Red Shoes (1948). Solo, his thriller Peeping Tom (1960) was harshly attacked on release and later reassessed as a classic (Encyclopedia.com Powell/Pressburger; LOC).

He died in 1990. Martin Scorsese and others helped restore his critical reputation in later decades; The Red Shoes remains a touchstone of Technicolor dance cinema.

The Red Shoes Blu-ray (Criterion) Black Narcissus Blu-ray Peeping Tom Blu-ray/DVD

Why the "real name" question matters

Search interest in a celebrity's "real name" usually means one of three things: a shortened everyday form (Tom for Thomas, Dave for David), a middle name used as a stage handle (Drake-style), or a true legal/professional change after immigration or branding. This sprint page states which case applies, cites library or encyclopedia authorities where possible, and avoids gossip. Career sections stay high-level and sourced so Domain Bot can add internal/external links without rewriting the biography. Living subjects are limited to public facts; memorials avoid graphic detail.