Raymond Burr, best known as Perry Mason, starred in over 90 productions,
including Rear Window and A Cry in the Night. Despite his public success,
Burr’s private life was marked by secrecy, including fabricated stories about
marriages and a family. As a gay man in a time when coming out could end careers,
he kept his sexuality hidden. However, he won two Emmy Awards and played the iconic
role of Robert T. Ironside. Burr was also a philanthropist, “adopting” 25 children
worldwide, supporting their education. His legacy as both an actor and humanitarian continues to inspire
