archytele The Vault

Raymond Burr

Acting Born May 21, 1917 New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada 24 credits

Biography

Raymond William Stacey Burr (May 21, 1917 – September 12, 1993) was a Canadian actor, primarily known for his title roles in the television dramas Perry Mason and Ironside. His early acting career included roles on Broadway, radio, television and in film, usually as the villain. He won two Emmy Awards in 1959 and 1961 for the role of Perry Mason, which he played for nine seasons between 1957 and 1966. His second hit series, Ironside, earned him six Emmy nominations, and two Golden Globe nominations. He is also known for his role as Steve Martin in both Godzilla, King of the Monsters! and Godzilla 1985.

In addition to acting, Burr owned an orchid business and had begun to grow a vineyard. He was a collector of wines and art, and was very fond of cooking.

After his death from cancer in 1993, Burr's personal life came into question as details of his known biography appeared to be unverifiable. Gradually, it was revealed that Burr had possibly contrived a life story that hid his homosexuality.

Ask the Vault

Ask anything about Raymond Burr.

Known for

Perry Mason

as Perry Mason

Dragnet

1951

Ironside

as Robert Ironside
Film

Rear Window

as Lars Thorwald

Full filmography

  • Perry Mason (1957) as Perry Mason
  • The Love Boat (1977) as Malcolm Dwyer
  • Dragnet (1951)
  • Ironside (1967) as Robert Ironside
  • Four Star Playhouse (1952) as Gonzales
  • The Red Skelton Show (1951) as Man in Bathroom Mirror (uncredited)
  • The Red Skelton Show (1951) as Rick Santy
  • Climax! (1954) as Lieutenant Shea
  • Climax! (1954) as Philip Moran
  • Climax! (1954) as Sergeant Ben Gurnick
  • The Ed Sullivan Show (1948) as Self
  • What's My Line? (1950) as Self - Mystery Guest
  • The Oscars (1953) as Self
  • People's Choice Awards (1975) as Self
  • Tales of Tomorrow (1951)
  • Dinah! (1974) as Self
  • The Bob Hope Show (1950) as Self
  • The 20th Century Fox Hour (1955) as Major Tetley
  • Rear Window (1954) as Lars Thorwald
  • The Ford Television Theatre (1952) as Red Lefwick
  • The Ford Television Theatre (1952) as Robert Drayton
  • The Flip Wilson Show (1970) as Self
  • It Takes a Thief (1968) as SIA Bureau Chief
  • Centennial (1978) as James Clark