Barbara Hale was a talented American actress, best known for her role as Della Street in the long-running television series “Perry Mason.” With a career spanning over four decades, Hale left a lasting impression on her fans and the entertainment industry as a whole. This day, we’ll explore Barbara Hale’s life, her journey to becoming a beloved actress, and her impressive net worth. Join us as we celebrate the life and legacy of this remarkable woman.
Net Worth: $3 Million
Salary: –
Date of Birth: Apr 18, 1922 – Jan 26, 2017
Place of Birth: DeKalb, Illinois
Gender: Female
Profession: Actor, Model
Barbara Hale Early Life
Born on April 18, 1922, in DeKalb, Illinois, Barbara Hale grew up in a loving, supportive family. Her father, Luther Ezra Hale, was a landscape gardener, while her mother, Willa Calvin, was a homemaker. As a young girl, Barbara displayed an innate talent for performing arts, which her parents encouraged. She began her journey by participating in school plays and local theater productions.
In 1940, Hale graduated from Rockford High School and went on to study at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. While in college, she worked as a model to support her studies. This eventually led her to sign a contract with the famous RKO Radio Pictures in 1943. Moving to Hollywood, the young actress embarked on her successful acting career.
Barbara Hale made her film debut in the 1943 movie “Gildersleeve’s Bad Day,” followed by “The Iron Major” and “Heavenly Days.” It wasn’t long before she started gaining attention from critics and audiences alike. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, she appeared in numerous films, including “The Window,” “Jolson Sings Again,” and “Lorna Doone.” However, it was her role as Della Street in the television series “Perry Mason” (1957-1966) that truly catapulted her to stardom.
Barbara Hale Personal Life
Barbara Hale’s personal life was a testament to her strong values and devotion to her family. She married actor Bill Williams in 1946, and the couple enjoyed a long and happy marriage until Williams’ death in 1992. Their love story was one of the rare enduring Hollywood romances, and they shared a deep bond that kept them together through the ups and downs of life in the entertainment industry.
Together, Hale and Williams raised three children: Jody, William, and Juanita. Their son William Katt followed in his parent’s footsteps, pursuing a career in acting. He gained fame for his role as Ralph Hinkley in the television series “The Greatest American Hero” and later starred in the “Carrie” film adaptation. William also appeared alongside his mother in several “Perry Mason” TV movies, creating a unique on-screen family dynamic.
Known for her warmth and kindness, Barbara Hale was beloved by her colleagues and friends. Her dedication to her family and work-life balance was admirable, especially considering the demanding nature of her career. Throughout her life, she remained a shining example of humility and grace, both on and off the screen.
Barbara Hale Career
Barbara Hale’s career was marked by versatility, talent, and an incredible work ethic. Beginning her acting journey in the early 1940s, she appeared in a variety of film genres, including drama, comedy, and film noir. Her early film roles established her as a promising actress, and she quickly gained a reputation for her professionalism and dedication to her craft.
Her big break came in 1957 when she was cast as Della Street in the television series “Perry Mason.” The show, based on the popular novels by Erle Stanley Gardner, revolved around a fictional defense attorney, Perry Mason, played by Raymond Burr. As Della Street, Hale portrayed Mason’s loyal and resourceful secretary, a role that would come to define her career. The show’s success led to a nine-season run, and Hale became a household name.
After “Perry Mason” ended in 1966, Hale continued to work in television and film, albeit at a slower pace. She made guest appearances in popular TV series like “Ironside,” “Adam-12,” and “The Doris Day Show.” In the 1980s, she reunited with Raymond Burr for a series of “Perry Mason” TV movies, reprising her role as Della Street and delighting fans with her enduring charm and skillful performance.
Throughout her career, Barbara Hale was recognized for her talent and contributions to the entertainment industry. In 1959, she won an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Dramatic Series for her role in “Perry Mason.” Her legacy as an actress has left an indelible mark on the history of television and film, and her performances continue to be enjoyed by fans around the world.
Barbara Hale Net Worth
Throughout her career, Barbara Hale accumulated an impressive net worth, which is estimated to be around $3 million at the time of her death in 2017. As a testament to her talent and dedication, Hale earned a comfortable living in an industry known for its competitiveness and fleeting fame.
Her most notable source of income came from her iconic role as Della Street in “Perry Mason.” The legal drama series ran for nine seasons, making it one of the longest-running legal-themed television shows in history. During this time, Hale appeared in an astounding 271 episodes, creating a character that became synonymous with her name.
In addition to her work on “Perry Mason,” Hale’s film career also contributed to her net worth. Over the years, she starred in more than 40 films, sharing the screen with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, such as James Stewart, Frank Sinatra, and Robert Mitchum. Her versatility as an actress allowed her to work in various genres, including drama, comedy, and film noir.
Although her acting career slowed down in the late 1960s, Barbara Hale continued to work sporadically in television and film throughout the 1970s and 1980s. She reprised her role as Della Street in a series of successful “Perry Mason” TV movies in the 1980s and 1990s, further adding to her net worth and solidifying her status as a beloved actress.
Despite her wealth and fame, Barbara Hale remained grounded and humble. She was known for her kindness, generosity, and dedication to her family. Married to actor Bill Williams (birth name: Herman August Wilhelm Katt) from 1946 until his death in 1992, the couple had three children, one of whom, William Katt, followed in his parents.
In conclusion, Barbara Hale’s remarkable life and career remain an inspiration to aspiring actors and fans alike. Her incredible talent, dedication to her craft, and love for her family have solidified her status as a Hollywood icon. As we remember and celebrate Barbara Hale, we are reminded of the lasting impact she has left on the world of entertainment and the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
