Barbara Hale
She defined the loyal, sharp-witted legal secretary for a generation, bringing quiet strength and warmth to the iconic role of Della Street.
1922–2017 (age 95)·American actress·Birthday: April 18·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Barbara Hale's career was a study in graceful professionalism, but it is inextricably linked to one defining character: Della Street. Before donning the crisp suits and perfect coiffure of Perry Mason's indispensable confidante, Hale was a contract player at RKO, appearing in a string of westerns and dramas throughout the 1940s and '50s. The role of Della, however, was her perfect match. For nine seasons and 30 subsequent TV movies, she portrayed Street not as mere decoration, but as the operational and emotional backbone of the law office, her intelligence and unwavering loyalty providing the ballast to Raymond Burr's formidable Mason. Her 1959 Emmy win was a testament to the depth she brought to what could have been a sidelined part. Off-screen, Hale was known for her steadfast nature, remaining close friends with Burr for decades. Her portrayal set the standard for the competent, respected professional woman on television.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Barbara was born in 1922, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Barbara Was Born
The biggest hits of 1922
#1 Movie
Robin Hood
Barbara's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1922Born
King Tut's tomb discovered in Egypt
President: Warren G. Harding"April Showers" — Al Jolson
1927Started school
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1935Became a teenager
Social Security Act signed into law
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,450President: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Cheek to Cheek" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Mutiny on the Bounty
1938Could drive
Kristallnacht and the escalation toward WWII
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $2,850Min wage: $0.25/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Begin the Beguine" — Artie ShawBest Picture: You Can't Take It with You
1940Could vote
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
1943Turned 21
Allies invade Sicily; Battle of Stalingrad ends
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,290Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I've Heard That Song Before" — Harry JamesBest Picture: Casablanca
1952Turned 30
Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,350Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Blue Tango" — Leroy AndersonBest Picture: The Greatest Show on Earth
1962Turned 40
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1972Turned 50
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1982Turned 60
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1992Turned 70
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2002Turned 80
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2017Died at 95
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
Key Achievements
- Won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 1959 for her role as Della Street on 'Perry Mason.'
- Portrayed the character Della Street across nearly four decades, from the original series (1957-1966) through 30 made-for-TV movies (1985-1995).
- Was one of the first actresses to successfully reprise a classic television role in a long-running series of revival films.
- Appeared in over 40 films during the 1940s and 1950s before her defining television role.
Did You Know?
She was a commercial artist and model before being discovered by an RKO talent scout.
Her son, William Katt, played Paul Drake Jr., the son of Mason's investigator, in the later 'Perry Mason' TV movies.
She and Raymond Burr shared such a strong friendship that he personally requested her to reprise her role for the TV movies.
Hale was originally cast in the film 'The Boy with Green Hair' but was replaced after filming began.
“I learned early that the best work is done when you make the other person look good.”
