US: Colin Powell entered the world of politics after retiring from the military.
Having reached the rank of general and served as chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, he was making a lucrative living as a public speaker.
His memoir, My American Journey, became a bestseller and he enjoyed a comfortable life with his wife, Alma.
Mr Powell was then sworn in as the 65th Secretary of State on January 20th, 2001, making him the highest ranking black government official in the history of the United States.
Colin Powell was born in New York City and was raised in the Bronx by his parents, Luther Theophilus and Maud Ariel Powell, who emigrated from Jamaica.
After graduating from the City College of New York with a bachelor's degree in geology, he received a commission as a United States army second lieutenant. His assignments included two combat tours as a junior officer in Vietnam, where he survived a helicopter crash,
Mr Powell was a professional soldier for 35 years, rising to the rank of four star general.
He earned a reputation as a dove, rarely advocating military action as a first response.
He shot to international prominence during the first Gulf War, when he was chairman of the joint chiefs of staff.
Before that, from 1987-89, he served as National Security Adviser to Ronald Reagan.
He was suggested as a possible opponent to challenge Bill Clinton for office, but never ran.
He is married to Alma Vivian Johnson Powell of Birmingham, Alabama, and the couple have one son, Michael, and daughters Linda and Anne.
As a professional soldier it is his instinct to be fiercely loyal. He backed both Gulf wars after his initial opposition to both conflicts was shot down by the first and then the second Bush presidents.
His loyalty, and the fact that his son is climbing the political ladder as chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, makes it unlikely that he will write a warts-and-all account of his time in the Bush Administration.
Mr Powell's resignation may be partially prompted by health considerations as last December he underwent surgery for prostate cancer.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs , Mr Ahern, telephoned Mr Powell last evening to pay tribute to his work. He acknowledged in particular Mr Powell's support for the Northern Ireland peace process.,