How Each Perry Mason Cast Member Died

Perry Mason was the first major hour-long show to appear on TV. It went on to become a massive success.

The show’s main character is one of the most important reasons it became so popular. Perry Mason was an ethical, trustworthy lawyer who always sought to find the true culprit in every case.

Supporting cast members were also important in telling the story in each episode. They included everyone from friends who brought Perry crucial evidence to his lovable secretary who helped keep it all organized. Most became a consistent presence on the show and added to its impactful storytelling.

The cast was made up of new faces and familiar actors. Many of them joined after successful careers on the stage and screen, and almost all of them went on to enjoy successful careers after Perry Mason ended.

The cast is still remembered today and received plenty of honors throughout their career. They earned Emmy awards, stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and more. These physical representations of their hard work will help cement their legacy forever.

Only a few Perry Mason cast members were ever replaced, and it usually occurred after their death. They were able to bring life to the series and portray their characters until their last days.

Some cast members, including Richard Anderson and Barbara Hale, died of natural causes after a long, fulfilling life. A few, including William Talman and Raymond Burr, suffered from cancer. Other cast members, like Wesley Lau, Ray Collins, and William Hopper, died due to other conditions.

Regardless of how they died or which character their played, each Perry Mason cast member made their character a powerful force that fans will remember forever.

Like and subscribe for more on the casts of your favorite shows. Watch our video to learn more about how each Perry Mason cast member died.

How Each Perry Mason Cast Member Died

[FactsVerse]

Watch every Perry Mason episode here: paramountplus.qflm.net/9WORz5

[michaelstorm]

Perry Mason is one of the all time best shows. Casting was perfect.

[DavidSmith-zewi]

I'm in the UK and always watched the Perry Mason series in my teens and thought it was superbly cast and very entertaining. Barbara Hale was absolutely beautiful, womanhood at its finest. Glad to hear that she lived a long life.

[patriciasnyder]

Ray Collins always had a twinkle in his eye when dealing with Perry. You could tell the characters liked a respected one another.
Just a great cast all together.

[perrywalton]

My coffee and Perry Mason each morning. RIP to these talented actors.

[poppygirl]

Paul Drake was my favourite. He brought a sense of humour and caring to his role. But really, how could you not love the entire cast.

[guysview]

I always liked Barbara Hale as Della Street. I never thought of her character as just a "secretary" to Perry, but as an equal partner. Her portrayal was ahead of its time portending the importance of today's women in the business world and even in the military.

[gabutterfly]

I still watch Perry Mason
Enjoyed watching with my late mother

[truecynic]

Just THE BEST television program, series and educational hour with the most authentic, genuine, kind, sincere characters of all programs and movies anywhere.

[catherinesalazar]

Raymond Burr was my personal favorite cast member of Perry Mason. His face and eyes were impressive, as well as his acting talent. He was scary in Rear Window!

[johnc.bojemski]

The unmistakable THEME for the show certainly helped! It was powerful and brilliant.

[trackman]

Perry Mason was one of those rare programs that got the casting right on. Every character was played by the right actor. I was only 10 years old when the show debuted and I remember my parents watching it every week. I became a fan in my high school years and remain one to this day.

[randylong]

Perry Mason airs 3 times weekdays in CA. It's always well done. Thanks for being there.

[iacheson]

Still enjoying Perry Mason! Watch it every night @ 10:30 pm..Raymond Burr playing Perry gives you a sense of comfort..He always helps the underdog, !

[johnc]

Barbara Hale's my favorite! While I was a student and working part-time at the May Co. North Hollywood store in the 1070's, I actually served her. The other salespeople didn't recognize her when she came into our department, but I spotted her immediately and went right up to her and asked, "Hello, Mrs. Hale. Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help you." She threw me a bright smile, obviously enjoying that I recognized her. I had to "educate" the other salespeople around me when I finished ringing up a purchase for her: "That was Perry Mason's secretary, Della Street!" Classy lady and still very lovely in the 70's!

[BoxOfRain]

I always liked the character Lieutenant Tragg. Despite the fact that he never handed Burger a case he could convict, he had a lot of great one-liners.

[NevervousOtoole]

Watched it with gran over 60 years ago, still watching it, it's stood the test of time..better than most of the crap what's on now.

[kyleking]

Della Street was always professional about her job and did it with such style and grace and sort of had a connection with Perry. Hamilton Berger was always budding wits with Perry in the court room as rivals I really loved these characters. Thanks Facts Verse

[mikesaunders]

A fantastic ensemble cast, it is impossible for me to pick a favourite. I was amazed at the relatively young age that both William Talman and William Hopper died.

[rickp]

I've watched the complete original series 4 times... I'm on my 5th time now. Timeless television show... great writing... great cast and acting... wonderful production... This one of the few series that I think has held up well... although I've seen each episode multiple times... I never get bored and enjoy each and everyone... absolutely loved the cast... I can see why my Dad had a crush on Barbara Hale's Della Street character... smart... loyal and beautiful. Thanks for the nice piece on the cast and how they passed away. This show set the gold standard for TV dramas. Oh and I almost forgot... Perry Mason had the most badass television theme song ever!