The Incarnations of Perry Mason

Although long-time Perry Mason fans will probably always think of him as looking like Raymond Burr, Burr is actually one of six actors to have portrayed the character. With the triumphant return of Perry Mason to the screens of the world (via HBO's streaming service), we here at Shades of Gray bring you a look at all the actors who have brought him to life from 1934 to 2020--and beyond.

THE INCARNATIONS OF PERRY MASON

The first actor to portray Perry Mason on screen was Warren William. He played the character in four films--"The Case of the Howling Dog" (1934), "The Case of the Curious Bride" (1935), "The Case of the Lucky Legs" (1935), and "The Case of the Velvet Claw" (1936).

Warren William

Warren William

After William wrapped up his stint as Mason, Ricardo Cortez played the character in "The Case of the Black Cat" (1936).

Ricardo Cortez

Ricardo Cortez

Next up, there was another mustachioed Mason, in the form of Donald Woods for "The Case of the Stuttering Bishop" (1937).

Donald Woods

It would be 20 years before another actor lent his face and body to bringing Perry Mason to life. In 1957, Raymond Burr took on the role, and he eventually became, quite properly, the actor who is most closely associated with character. No one else has spent more time in Mason's shoes than Burr. Additionally, Earl Stanley Gardner--the creator of Perry Mason--thought Burr was the perfect in the role.

Raymond Burr, in the 1960s

Burr first portrayed Mason in a long-running television series (from 1957 to 1966), and returned to the role for 26 made-for-television movies (between the years of 1984 and until his death in 1993). The last of Burr's appearance as Perry Mason ("The Case of the Killer Kiss") aired two months after he passed away, and the film was dedicated to his memory.

Raymond Burr, in the 1980s

Between Raymond Burr's long stretches portraying Perry Mason, Monte Markham took on the role in 15 episodes of "The New Perry Mason" (1973-1974).

Monte Markham

Most recently, Michael Rhys has played the character of Mason in a series for HBO that chronicles his journey to becoming the greatest criminal defense attorney on the West Coast. The first eight episodes aired in July and August of 2020, and a second batch will be coming in 2021.

Michael Rhys

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