Barbara Hale

Barbara Hale, a paragon of graceful stoicism on the silver screen and television, is best remembered for her portrayal of Della Street in the long-running television series "Perry Mason." Hale's career spanned over five decades, during which she epitomized the intelligent, steadfast women whose quiet fortitude became her trademark. Hale's story is an exemplar of the golden era of Hollywood, with her career gracefully transitioning from cinematic endeavors to a defining television role that continues to resonate with audiences today. Born in DeKalb, Illinois, on April 18, 1922, Hale exhibited early on a modest charm and poise that would serve her well in the entertainment industry. She was the younger of two daughters in a family of Scottish-Irish descent. Her journey to stardom began at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, which she attended with aspirations far from the silver screen; her initial interest lay in art and illustration. It was a chance meeting with a talent scout that propelled her toward Hollywood, a city she entered timidly yet determinedly in the early 1940s. RKO Radio Pictures recognized Hale's potential, signing her to a contract in 1943. Her early career was marked by recurring roles that capitalized on her quiet beauty and magnetic screen presence. She made her uncredited debut in "Gildersleeve's Bad Day" (1943), a minor blip in an evolving career. Hale quickly moved beyond bit parts, securing roles in modestly budgeted pictures, and soon ascended to more prominent roles with ease. Notable films during this nascent stage of her career include "Higher and Higher" (1943), where she shared the screen with a burgeoning Frank Sinatra, and "The Falcon Out West" (1944), a staple of the then-popular Falcon detective film series. The depth of her talent became increasingly apparent, garnering her a mixture of supporting and leading roles. She demonstrated a remarkable versatility whether appearing in musical comedies, dramas, or thrillers. The year 1949 marked a critical juncture as Hale's nuanced performance in "The Window" received critical acclaim. This gritty film noir, based on a Cornell Woolrich story, saw Hale portraying a beleaguered mother protecting a child who witnesses a murder—a role that tested her dramatic range and solidified her reputation as a capable and compelling actress. Yet it is "Perry Mason," the adaptation of Erle Stanley Gardner's courtroom novels, that enshrined Hale in the pantheon of television greats. Cast in 1957 as Della Street, the loyal and insightful secretary to Raymond Burr's titular lawyer, Hale delivered performances that were as steady as they were nuanced. Della Street was more than a secretary; she was a confidante and an intellectual equal, a role written as such largely because of Hale's embodiment. Critics and audiences alike praised the chemistry between Hale and Burr, which was palpable and consistent throughout the series' nine-year original run and its subsequent 30 telefilms. Her portrayal earned her a Primetime Emmy Award in 1959, an acknowledgment of her distinct contribution to the show's success. Barbara Hale's transition from cinema to television mirrored the wider industry shift in entertainment mediums, and she adapted adeptly, allowing her reach to extend into millions more living rooms nationwide. Though Hale took roles in feature films intermittently, including the Jimmy Stewart vehicles "The Jackpot" (1950) and "The Far Horizons" (1955), she remained closely tied to the character of Della Street, reprising her role in every Mason revival until 1995. Throughout her career, Hale deftly balanced professional aspirations with personal commitments. She married actor Bill Williams, with whom she shared three children. Their son, William Katt, would follow in his parents' footsteps to carve out his place in Hollywood, renowned for "The Greatest American Hero." Hale embraced her status as a television stalwart with humility, occasionally expressing surprise at the enduring allure of "Perry Mason." Despite choosing a quieter life away from the public eye following the conclusion of her acting career, she maintained an influential presence by virtue of her impactful performances and the indelible character she brought to life. Barbara Hale passed away on January 26, 2017, at the age of 94 in Sherman Oaks, California. Her legacy, marked by an unwavering dedication to her craft and a career that spanned the volatile shifts in entertainment media, remains a testament to her talent and resilience. She left behind a treasure trove of performances characterized by dignity and depth, securing her place as a beloved figure in both cinematic and television history.