Raymond Burr
Actor
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.
Filmography
Airplane II: The Sequel
as Judge D.C. Simonton 1982
A Place in the Sun
as District Attorney R. Frank Marlowe 1951
Godzilla, King of the Monsters!
as Steve Martin 1956
Godzilla 1985
as Steven Martin 1985
Delirious
as Carter Hedison 1991
The Return
as Dr. Kramer 1980
Raw Deal
as Rick Coyle 1948
The Blue Gardenia
as Harry Prebble 1953
Out of the Blue
as Dr. Brean 1981
Pitfall
as MacDonald 1948
His Kind of Woman
as Nick Ferraro 1951
M
as Pottsy 1951
Love Happy
as Alphonse Zoto 1949
Crime of Passion
as Inspector Tony Pope 1956
Sleep, My Love
as Detective Sergeant Strake 1948
Godzilla
as Steve Martin 1977