The television series “Perry Mason,” which aired from 1957 to 1966, remains an iconic legal drama that has left a lasting impression on its audience. The show starred Raymond Burr as the titular character, a defense attorney known for his ability to prove his client’s innocence through dramatic courtroom revelations. Over half a century later, fans of the show may be curious about the financial status and net worth of the actors who brought these memorable characters to life. This article delves into the lives of the “Perry Mason” cast members and provides updated estimates of their net worth adjusted for 2024.
| Full Name | Date of Birth (and Death, if applicable) | Nationality | Occupation(s) | Years Active in Industry | Spouse(s) | Children | Education | Notable Works/Achievements | Estimated Net Worth (in their time) | Estimated Net Worth (2024, adjusted for inflation) | Primary Sources of Wealth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raymond Burr | May 21, 1917 – September 12, 1993 | Canadian-American | Actor | 1940–1993 | None | None | San Rafael Military Academy | “Perry Mason,” “Ironside” | $15 million | $27 million | Acting, TV films |
| Barbara Hale | April 18, 1922 – January 26, 2017 | American | Actress | 1943–2000 | Bill Williams | 3 | Chicago Academy of Fine Arts | “Perry Mason” | $3 million | $4.5 million | Acting |
| William Hopper | January 26, 1915 – March 6, 1970 | American | Actor | 1934–1970 | Jane Gilbert | 1 | None (left school at age 18) | “Perry Mason,” “Rebel Without a Cause” | $1 million | $6.8 million | Acting |
| Ray Collins | December 10, 1889 – July 11, 1965 | American | Actor | 1905–1965 | Marguerite “Margot” Haynes | 1 | Santa Clara University | “Perry Mason,” “Citizen Kane” | $500,000 | $4 million | Acting, radio |
| William Talman | February 4, 1915 – August 30, 1968 | American | Actor | 1940–1968 | Barbara Read, Margaret Flanagan | 6 | Dartmouth College | “Perry Mason” | $1 million | $8.2 million | Acting |
| Wesley Lau | June 18, 1921 – August 30, 1984 | American | Actor | 1951–1984 | Ann Lau | 2 | University of Rochester | “Perry Mason,” guest TV roles | $500,000 | $3.2 million | Acting |
| Richard Anderson | August 8, 1926 – August 31, 2017 | American | Actor | 1947–2017 | Carol Lee Ladd | 3 | Culver Military Academy | “Perry Mason,” “The Six Million Dollar Man” | $5 million | $12 million | Acting |
| Connie Cezon | March 28, 1925 – February 26, 2004 | American | Actress | 1949–1964 | None | None | None | “Perry Mason,” “The Three Stooges” | $200,000 | $1.4 million | Acting |
| Karl Held | September 19, 1931 | American | Actor | 1959–1980s | Sara Lane | None | University of Michigan | “Perry Mason,” guest TV roles | $300,000 | $1.2 million | Acting |
Introduction to Perry Mason Cast’s Financial Background
The “Perry Mason” cast was composed of highly talented and diverse actors who had successful careers in film and television. Their earnings and financial legacies vary widely, with some members continuing to work in the industry for decades and others passing away relatively young.
Estimating Perry Mason Cast’s Net Worth in 2024
Raymond Burr
Raymond Burr, best known for his role as Perry Mason, had an estimated net worth of $15 million at the time of his death in 1993. Adjusted for inflation, this would be approximately $27 million in 2024. Burr’s income came from his extensive work in television, including his reprise of the Perry Mason character in the 1980s and 1990s TV films.
Barbara Hale
Barbara Hale’s net worth was around $3 million when she passed away in 2017. Adjusted for inflation, her wealth in 2024 would be about $4.5 million. Her primary source of wealth was her longstanding role on “Perry Mason.”
William Hopper
William Hopper, who died in 1970, had an estimated net worth of $1 million, which would be around $6.8 million today. Hopper’s role in “Perry Mason” and his earlier work in Hollywood contributed to his wealth.
Other Cast Members
The net worth of other key cast members, such as Ray Collins and William Talman, have been adjusted appropriately. Ray Collins, who passed away in 1965, had a wealth of approximately $500,000 at the time, which equates to about $4 million today. William Talman’s $1 million net worth when he died in 1968 would be about $8.2 million in 2024.
Understanding Historical Wealth
Economic Context
It is important to understand the economic context in which these actors worked. During the mid-20th century, salaries for television actors were significantly lower than they are today. However, those who managed to secure enduring roles in popular series, like “Perry Mason,” saw substantial financial gains over their lifetimes.
Perry Mason Cast’s Personal Finance Philosophy
While comprehensive details on the personal finance philosophies of the “Perry Mason” cast members are not readily available, various sources suggest that some members, like Raymond Burr, were known for their charitable donations and lived relatively modest lifestyles compared to their earnings. Burr notably contributed to numerous charities and causes throughout his life.
Comparing Perry Mason Cast’s Wealth to Modern Equivalents
Television Actors’ Earnings Today
The estimated net worths of the “Perry Mason” cast in today’s context highlight significant differences when compared to modern television actors. Today’s TV stars often earn millions per season, thanks to larger production budgets and multiple revenue streams, including streaming services and syndicated reruns.
FAQs About Perry Mason Cast’s Net Worth
- Did Raymond Burr have any other major sources of income? Aside from his acting roles in “Perry Mason” and “Ironside,” Burr invested in real estate and operated an orchid business, which contributed to his wealth.
- How did Barbara Hale’s career evolve after Perry Mason? Barbara Hale continued to work in television and film, often reprising her role as Della Street in the “Perry Mason” TV movies. She retired from acting in the early 2000s.
- Was William Hopper involved in any other major projects? William Hopper had numerous film roles, including a notable performance in “Rebel Without a Cause,” before becoming a household name as Paul Drake in “Perry Mason.”
- Did any cast members face financial difficulties? There are no well-documented instances of major financial hardship among the primary cast members. Their consistent work in television and other ventures provided stable income.
- Are there any financial lessons to be learned from the Perry Mason cast? The cast’s financial success underscores the importance of career longevity, diversifying income sources, and prudent financial management, as exemplified by Raymond Burr’s charitable work and real estate investments.
The net worth figures and related information presented here are derived from a variety of public sources. These figures should not be regarded as definitive or fully accurate, as financial positions and valuations are subject to change over time.
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