Who Is Raymond Burr? Age, Biography and Wiki
Raymond Burr was born on May 21, 1917, in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada. He was a talented actor renowned for his roles in television and film, particularly as the titular character in the legal drama series Perry Mason. Burr’s powerful performances during the mid-20th century made him a household name and left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Sadly, he passed away on September 12, 1993, but his legacy continues to shine.
| Occupation | Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 21, 1917 |
| Age | 76 Years |
| Birth Place | New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | Canada |
| Date of death | 12 September, 1993 |
| Died Place | Healdsburg, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Raymond Burr's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Raymond Burr stood approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall and had a significant presence on screen. His weight varied throughout his life, but at his peak, it is estimated that he weighed around 220 pounds (100 kg). Burr's unique physique contributed to his ability to portray commanding characters, further solidifying his reputation as a leading man.
Burr said that he weighed 12.75 pounds (5.8 kg) at birth, and was chubby throughout his childhood. "When you're a little fat boy in public school, or any kind of school, you're just persecuted something awful," he said.
His weight was always an issue for him in getting roles, and it became a public relations problem when Johnny Carson began making jokes about him during his Tonight Show monologues. Burr refused to appear as Carson's guest from then on, and told Us Weekly years later: "I have been asked a number of times to do his show and I won't do it.
Because I like NBC. He's doing an NBC show. If I went on I'd have some things to say, not just about the bad jokes he's done about me, but bad jokes he does about everybody who can't fight back because they aren't there. And that wouldn't be good for NBC."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Raymond Burr had an intricate personal life. He never married but had significant relationships throughout his life. His most notable romantic involvement was with actor Robert Benevides, who was with him for over 30 years until Burr's passing. Their relationship was private, yet they shared a deep bond and formed a lasting partnership, both personally and professionally.
His father, William Johnston Burr (1889–1985), was a hardware salesman; his mother, Minerva Annette (née Smith, 1892–1974), was a pianist and music teacher.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Raymond Burr had an estimated net worth of around $20 million. His wealth was primarily derived from his extensive career in acting, particularly through his successful television series and feature films. Even in 2025, his legacy continues to generate interest, ensuring that his estate remains a subject of fascination among fans and historians.
As a young man Burr weighed more than 300 lb, which limited his on-screen roles. "But in radio this presented no problems, given the magnificent quality of his voice", reported The Globe and Mail. "He played romantic leads and menacing villains with equal authority, and he earned a steady and comfortable income."
Career, Business and Investments
Raymond Burr's career spanned over four decades, showcasing his extraordinary talent on stage and screen. He earned critical acclaim for his roles in movies like Rear Window and later for his iconic role in Perry Mason. In addition to acting, Burr was also involved in producing, which enhanced his influence in the industry. Furthermore, he ventured into business, including investments in real estate, which contributed to his financial success.
Raymond William Stacy Burr (May 21, 1917 – September 12, 1993) was a Canadian actor who had a lengthy Hollywood film career and portrayed the title roles in the television dramas Perry Mason and Ironside.
Social Network
Although social media didn't exist during Burr's lifetime, his legacy is celebrated across various platforms today. Fans regularly share memories, tributes, and nostalgia for his work, helping keep his memory alive on networks like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
In 1956, Burr was the star of CBS Radio's Fort Laramie, an adult Western drama produced, written and directed by the creators of Gunsmoke.
He played the role of Lee Quince, captain of the cavalry, in the series set at a post-Civil War military post where disease, boredom, the elements and the uncharted terrain were the greatest enemies of "ordinary men who lived in extraordinary times". The half-hour transcribed program aired Sundays at 5:30 pm. ET January 22 – October 28, 1956.
Burr told columnist Sheilah Graham that he had received 1,500 fan letters after the first broadcasts, and he continued to receive letters praising the show's authenticity and presentation of human dignity.
Education
Raymond Burr's education began in his hometown of New Westminster and continued at the University of California, Berkeley, where he honed his craft in acting. His formal education provided him with the tools necessary to thrive in the competitive world of acting, where he ultimately flourished and gained international recognition.
Other false biographical details include years of college education at a variety of institutions, being widowed twice, a son who died young, world travel, and success in high school athletics. Most of these claims were apparently accepted as fact by the press during Burr's lifetime, up until his death and by his first biographer, Ona Hill.
