While starring in a television series means a steady source of income and a consistent job, some actors find the repetitive nature of the medium to be tedious. Day in and day out, actors are forced to play the same character. For some, it can be stifling.

Never one to focus on the depressing side of life, Raymond Burr was excited to play Perry Mason every week. Burr starred as the title character of the hit series for nine seasons, returning on numerous occasions to reprise the role in films.

In each episode, Burr certainly had his work cut out for him. As the protagonist, he was required to lead the series, an intense request for any actor. Burr handled it in stride.

Watch Perry Mason on MeTV!

Weekdays at 9 AM
Weeknights at 11:30 PM

*available in most MeTV markets

“On each hour show, Bill Talman has as much dialogue as the star of an average feature movie,” Burr said during an interview with The Associated Press. “I have four times the dialogue Bill has.”

During the interview, Burr was pressed as to whether he ever grew bored of playing the same man all the time. Burr’s response was both refreshing and honest. He seemed to feel that playing the same character allowed him to grow and encourage originality.

“On the contrary,” said Burr during an interview with the Muskogee Times-Democrat. “I think I have to do more acting, playing the same role. It’s a challenge finding things to do. I can’t do anything startling, but I can’t be dull either.”