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Raymond Burr was so serious about his acting that people say he became Perry Mason
Burr was a true actor.
In all of your years of watching and enjoying television, you know that if you had to inherit any character's life, there are some people who you'd rather be than others. You'd rather be Hawkeye than Frank Burns, unless, of course, you've got a serious crush on Margaret Houlihan. It would be better to be Wally or the Beav than say, Lumpy Rutherford. Let's face the facts: there are simply some characters that you'd kill to live like, and some that you could take or leave.
For Raymond Burr, becoming his character seemed to almost be essential for his acting process, whether he was aware of it or not. According to an article in TV Guide, a press agent who previously worked for Burr said of the actor, "Ray takes it all so damn seriously. He'll really become this guy Ironside just like he really became Perry Mason." Of course, the agent speaks of two roles made famous by Burr Robert T. Ironside, and the ever-popular Perry Mason.
However, the agent also added a caveat when he said that while Burr became his character, he didn't particularly enjoy being seen as only his character. The agent said, "He began to resent the fact that people called him Perry Mason and not Raymond Burr."
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Still, Burr was always proud of his work on the screen. In the article, he emphasized, "I've always felt acting a very honorable profession." He also explained, "To be a good actor makes you knowledgeable about many things, and you have to learn a lot about human nature to be one."
Be honest, do you think you could handle a day in the life of Perry Mason? Get ready to practice your "Objection!"
13 Comments
Barbara Hale (HALE yes:))
Lt Tragg - so good in that role
Mr Burger - (what a last name:))
Paul Drake - the real cement in the foundation of the show (all due respect to Perry)
And Mr. Burr was also a great old time radio actor (Ft. Laramie)