Barbara Hale was an American actress who was widely known for her part as Della Street in the popular TV series “Perry Mason.” She passed away on January 26, 2017, at 94. Barbara had a long and successful career in the entertainment industry, and her net worth at the time of her death was estimated to be around $3 million.
Table of Contents
Early Life
Barbara Hale was born on April 18, 1922, in DeKalb, Illinois. She was the daughter of Luther Ezra Hale and Wilma Colvin, and she was the youngest of three children. She grew up in Rockford, Illinois, and attended Rockford High School. After graduating, she briefly attended the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, where she studied art and design.
Career
Barbara Hale’s career in entertainment as a model in Chicago. She moved to Hollywood in the early 1940s, and her first film role was in the movie “Gildersleeve on Broadway” in 1943. She appeared in several other films during the 1940s, including “Higher and Higher” and “Lady Luck.”
In 1957, Barbara landed the role that would make her a household name – Della Street, the loyal secretary to Perry Mason in the popular TV series of the same name. She starred alongside Raymond Burr, who played the title character, and the show ran for nine seasons, from 1957 to 1966. Barbara received an Emmy Award for her role in 1959 and remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry for the rest of her life.
Legacy
After “Perry Mason” ended in 1966, Barbara Hale continued to work in television and film. She appeared in a number of TV shows and movies over the next few decades, including “The Giant Spider Invasion” (1975) and “Airport” (1975). She also made guest appearances on popular TV shows like “The Love Boat” and “Simon & Simon.”
Barbara’s contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized in 1993 when she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in 2005 for her work in “Perry Mason.”
Throughout her career, Barbara Hale was known for her professionalism, talent, and grace. She was a beloved figure in Hollywood, and her contributions to the entertainment industry will be remembered for generations to come.
Personal Life
After her career, she also devoted time to her family, which included her husband Bill Williams, and their three children.
Barbara’s husband, Bill Williams, was also an actor, and the two of them met while working on the film “West of the Pecos” in 1945. They were married in 1946 and remained together until Bill died in 1992.
Philanthropic
In addition to her acting work, Barbara was also involved in various philanthropic causes. She was a supporter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and was honored with their Breath of Life Award in 1981.
Net Worth
Barbara Hale was estimated to have a fortune of around $3 million at the time of her death. She earned her wealth through her long and successful career in Hollywood, which spanned several decades.
Conclusion
Barbara Hale was an iconic actress who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Her portrayal of Della Street in “Perry Mason” earned her critical acclaim and a legion of fans, and her professionalism and grace were admired by all who worked with her. Despite her passing in 2017, her legacy continues to live on, and her contributions to Hollywood will never be forgotten.