William Hopper was an American actor best known for his roles in Perry Mason, 20 Million Miles to Earth, and The Bad Seed. Born on January 26, 1915, in New York City, he had a diverse career that spanned several decades until his death on March 6, 1970.
Personal and Family Life
William Hopper was born to famous parents, with his father being actor DeWolf Hopper Sr. and his mother actress and gossip columnist Hedda Hopper. He had a challenging relationship with his mother, who pushed him into acting from a young age. He was briefly married to Jane Gilbert, with whom he had one child, before marrying Jeanette Juanita Ward until his death.
Career
Hopper’s acting journey began on the New York stage and in summer stock. He started getting small roles at Paramount Pictures and later moved on to Warner Brothers for more significant roles. However, his career faced setbacks due to personal struggles, including a drinking problem resulting from his stressful military service during WWII. He found success in the 1950s, particularly remembered for his role as Paul Drake in Perry Mason.
Death and Legacy
William Hopper passed away on March 6, 1970, in Palm Springs, California, due to pneumonia following a stroke. His contribution to classic television and film continues to be celebrated, particularly his iconic character in Perry Mason, which remains a significant part of his legacy.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Rebel Without a Cause | 1955-10-27 | Judy’s Father |
| Stagecoach | 1939-03-03 | Sergeant (uncredited) |
| Lady Gangster | 1942-04-01 | John |
| Action in the North Atlantic | 1943-06-12 | Canadian Soldier (uncredited) |
| Conquest of Space | 1955-04-20 | Dr. George Fenton |
| The Bad Seed | 1956-09-12 | Col. Kenneth Penmark |
| 20 Million Miles to Earth | 1957-02-08 | Colonel Robert Calder |
| Perry Mason | 1957-09-21 | Paul Drake |