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
