Barbara Hale

Barbara Hale was a versatile actress whose career spanned multiple media platforms, though her radio work was relatively limited. Her journey from a small-town Illinois girl to a beloved television star is a testament to her talent and adaptability in the entertainment industry.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

Born on April 18, 1922, in DeKalb, Illinois, Barbara Hale came from a modest background. Her father, Luther Ezra Hale, was a landscape gardener, and her family had Scottish and Irish roots. From an early age, Hale showed artistic promise, initially planning to pursue a career as an artist. She attended the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, where her path to performance began almost serendipitously when she started modeling to fund her education. Her early professional journey was marked by a combination of modeling and small acting roles. In 1943, Hale moved to Hollywood, where she signed with RKO Studios. Her first screen appearances were mostly uncredited, but she quickly transitioned to more substantial roles, demonstrating her versatility as an actress.

Radio and Early Media Appearances

While Barbara Hale was not primarily known as a radio performer, she did have some limited involvement in radio broadcasting. Her radio activity was modest, with appearances in a few select programs. She was featured in one episode each of Voice of the Army (1947), an unspecified program in 1950, and Proudly We Hail (syndicated). Additionally, she appeared in five episodes of another radio program between 1950 and 1954. These radio appearances, though brief, were part of her broader entertainment career that was rapidly shifting towards television and film. Her true breakthrough would come with her iconic role in television.

Television Stardom and Perry Mason

Hale's most significant contribution to entertainment came through television, particularly her role as Della Street in the legendary series Perry Mason. When she was considering retirement from acting, she accepted the role that would define her career. From 1957 to 1966, she appeared in all 271 episodes of the series, winning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 1959. Her portrayal of Della Street was so beloved that when the series ended, she continued to reprise the role in 30 television movies between 1985 and 1995. Remarkably, she was the only actor to appear in all of these films, even after her co-star Raymond Burr's death in 1993.

Later Career and Personal Life

Beyond Perry Mason, Hale maintained a steady acting career. She guest-starred in various television shows and appeared in films. Interestingly, her son William Katt also became an actor, and they even worked together in some productions. In 1982, she appeared in The Greatest American Hero, playing the mother of Katt's character. In her personal life, Hale was married to actor Bill Williams from 1946 until his death in 1992. They had three children, including William Katt. She was also a follower of the Baha'i faith.

Legacy and Impact

Barbara Hale passed away on January 26, 2017, at the age of 94 in Sherman Oaks, California. At the time of her death, she was the last surviving original cast member of Perry Mason. Her contributions to television were recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.

Works and Appearances

Radio

• Voice of the Army (1947) - One episode
• Unspecified radio program (1950)
• Proudly We Hail (Syndicated) - One episode
• Unspecified radio program (1950-1954) - Five episodes

Television

• Perry Mason (1957-1966) - Della Street
• Perry Mason TV Movies (1985-1995) - Della Street
• The Greatest American Hero (1982) - Paula Hinkley
• Various guest appearances on shows like Ironside, Adam-12, The Doris Day Show

Film

• Airport (1970)
• Big Wednesday (1978) - Final film role
• Multiple films from 1943-1957

Barbara Hale's career exemplifies the versatility and enduring appeal of mid-20th-century performers who seamlessly transitioned between radio, film, and television.