Raymond Burr

Canadian-born actor Raymond William Stacy Burr (May 21, 1917 – September 12, 1993), had a long, successful Hollywood career, most notably in the enduring title roles of the television dramas Perry Mason and Ironside. Burr's acting career was diverse, covering Broadway, radio, television, and film, often cast as the villain. His remarkable performances include portrayed the suspected murderer in Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller Rear Window (1954) and playing a role in Godzilla, King of the Monsters! (1956), which he reprised in 1985. Burr's portrayal of Perry Mason won him two Emmy Awards (1959 and 1961) and he reprised this role in a series of 26 Perry Mason TV movies from 1985 to 1993. His second TV series, Ironside, saw him nominated for another six Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards. Burr's life was tinged with controversy as many aspects of his biography became questionable following his death; his ranking as number 44 of the 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time by TV Guide magazine in 1996 attests to his enduring popularity. Burr was known for his numerous hobbies including cultivating orchids, collecting wine and art, flying, sailing, and fishing. He was a globally recognized philanthropist who supported medical and educational institutions and sponsored 26 foster children with high medical needs.

Despite, personal controversies, Burr was generously loyal and deeply conscious of history, often taking the effort to employ his radio colleagues in his television programs. Raymond Burr passed away in 1993 due to liver cancer. His posthumous release; The Case of the Killer Kiss, was testament to his enduring talent and showed his courage in the face of health adversity, reflecting a standing unsupported scene, marking an emotional farewell for his fans.