Raymond burr biography perry mason

(b. 21 May 1917 in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada; d. 12 September 1993 in Dry Creek Valley, California), television and film actor most noted for his performance in the title role of the TV series Perry Mason (1967-1975).

Burr was the oldest of three children born to William Johnston Burr, a hardware dealer, and Minerva Smith, a pianist and music teacher and daughter of a U.S.

naval officer. Shortly after he was born, the family moved to China, where they spent five years.

Raymond burr biography perry mason

His parents divorced when Burr was six, and his mother moved the family to Vallejo, California. His family was hit hard during the Great Depression, and at age thirteen Burr quit the San Rafael Military Academy to find work on a cattle and sheep ranch.

He returned to school a year later, but never completed junior high. Working in a variety of jobs after leaving school, he taught, traveled as a salesman, sang in a nightclub, and ran a weather station, all while taki