Dowell was born on Dec. 15, 1909 to David J. Dowell and Mary Kelly Dowell. He attended the Institute of Fine Arts, before going to Yale University Department of Drama where he received a dimploma in 1933. He graduated from New York University (B.S., 1944) and Columbia University (M.A., 1946; Ed. D., 19-- ). Dowell worked as a script advisor and playwright for Paramount Pictures (1935-1936) and as the general stage director at the American Showshop at the President Theatre in New York City (1937-1938). He was in the Army Air Force from 1943-1944. He taught at Smith College from 1949 to 1955. In 1954 he became director of the American College Players.
From the description of George Brendan Dowell papers, 1948-1955. (Smith College). WorldCat record id: 52551445
