Celebrity Info
To her devoted fans, Barbara Hale appeared as though she was destined to portray Della Street, the sharp and savvy secretary to Raymond Burr’s tireless public defender, Perry Mason, in the iconic CBS series that aired from 1957 to 1966. Yet, despite how seamless the casting seemed in hindsight, Barbara Hale almost passed on the role altogether.
Originally from Illinois, Hale arrived in Hollywood during the height of World War II. Her early days in the industry were filled with small roles and appearances as a pin-up for RKO, her home studio at the time. As her career began to gain momentum, she landed more substantial parts in films like Joseph Losey’s thought-provoking “The Boy with the Green Hair” (1947) and the gripping noir “The Window” (1949). However, just as things were looking up, her contract with RKO came to an end.
Eventually making her way to Columbia Pictures, Barbara Hale continued to grow as an actress, taking on leading roles opposite big names like Jimmy Stewart in “The Jackpot” (1951) and James Cagney in “A Lion is in the Streets” (1953). However, as she settled into married life and motherhood, Hale began to prioritize television roles that allowed her to stay closer to home.
When the opportunity to join the cast of “Perry Mason” came along, Hale wasn’t initially interested. That changed when she found out that her co-star would be none other than Raymond Burr, a familiar face from her RKO days. The two quickly reconnected, and together they brought the courtroom drama to life for nine successful seasons. Their off-screen friendship endured long after the show ended, and they even reunited two decades later for a series of well-received television films. In these stories, Perry and Della were older, perhaps a bit wiser, but still as committed as ever to justice.
After being widowed in 1992 and mourning the death of her dear friend Raymond Burr the following year, Barbara Hale quietly stepped away from the spotlight in 1995. She did so with the satisfaction of knowing she had left behind a lasting legacy—not just as a skilled character actress, but as the definitive Della Street.
Barbara Hale passed away on January 26, 2017, at the age of 94, after a battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
When it comes to Barbara Hale’s career highlights, one standout is her role in The Window (1949), which remains her highest rated film to date. Over the years, fans and critics alike have praised her performance in this classic thriller, solidifying Barbara Hale’s reputation as a talented actress during Hollywood’s golden era. On the other end of the spectrum, Big Wednesday (1978) tends to receive more mixed or lower reviews, making it Barbara Hale’s lowest rated movie. While the film had its moments, it didn’t quite capture the same acclaim as her earlier work. Still, Barbara Hale brought depth and authenticity to every role she took on, and her contributions to cinema continue to be appreciated by audiences who value timeless performances. Whether in leading roles or supporting ones, Barbara Hale consistently delivered memorable moments on screen.
United States
