Raymond Burr was a Canadian-American actor who is best known for his roles in “Perry Mason,” “Ironside,” and “Rear Window.”
Personal and Family Life
Raymond Burr was born on May 21, 1917, in New Westminster, British Columbia. He grew up in a family that moved often due to his father’s job as a trade agent in China. After returning to Canada, his parents divorced, and he was raised by his mother in California. Burr took on various jobs at a young age to help support his family.
Career
Before his rise to fame, Raymond Burr had a diverse career, including serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He started acting in films with his debut in “San Quentin” in 1946 and went on to appear in over 90 films. However, it was his role as Perry Mason that made him a household name, leading to multiple TV movies decades later. Burr also taught drama at Sonoma State University later in life.
Death and Legacy
Raymond Burr passed away on September 12, 1993, at his ranch in Geyserville, California, after battling liver cancer. He was 76 years old at the time of his death. Burr left a lasting impact on television and film, remembered for his commanding presence and iconic roles.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Window | 1954-08-01 | Lars Thorwald |
| Crime of Passion | 1956-12-28 | Inspektor Pope |
| Airplane II: The Sequel | 1982-12-10 | Judge D.C. Simonton |
| The Blue Gardenia | 1953-03-20 | Harry Prebble |
| Bride of the Gorilla | 1951-10-01 | Barney Chavez |
| A Place in the Sun | 1951-06-12 | District Attorney R. Frank Marlowe |
| Perry Mason | 1957-09-21 | Perry Mason |
| Perry Mason Returns | 1985-12-01 | Perry Mason |
| Ironside | 1967-03-28 | Robert Ironside |