Is Anyone Still Alive from Perry Mason?

The iconic legal drama Perry Mason has left an indelible mark on television history. However, as time has passed, the question lingers: Are there any surviving cast members from the original series?

Original Cast and Their Status

While all the principal characters from the original television series are no longer with us, the guest actors bring a different perspective to the story. It's remarkable to note that some of these young actors are still active in the entertainment industry.

Key Original Cast Members

Monte Markham - He played Mason in the 1973-1974 episodes. Currently, Monte Markham is still alive and continues to be an active member of the entertainment industry. Sharon Acker - The actress who portrayed Della Street, the efficient legal secretary, is also still with us today. Albert Stratton and Harry Guardino - They portrayed Paul Drake and Burger O'Keefe, respectively. Both of them passed away, with Stratton in 2011 and Guardino in 1995. Dane Clark - One of the key supporting actors, he played John Tragg. Sadly, he passed away in 1998.

The original series, which aired from 1957 to 1966 and again from 1973 to 1974, focused on the legal challenges faced by prosecutor Perry Mason, played by Raymond Burr, and his sidekick Paul Drake. As for the 2020 adaptation, all the cast members from this series are still with us today.

Young Guest Actors

Beyond the main cast, many young guest actors have left their mark on the series and are still active. For instance, Billy Mumy, best known for his role as Will Robinson in Lost in Space, did a guest appearance on Perry Mason and continues to act. Another notable guest actor, Karl Held, played David Gideon, a 20-something law student who apprenticed at Mason's office during 1961-1962 and 1962-1963. He recently appeared in an episode of the TV series Spades.

Overview of the Cast

Conducting a thorough check of the original cast, it becomes evident that the majority of the actors from the original Perry Mason series have passed away. The cast included:

Ray Collins (19th century) William Talman (1968) William Hopper (1970) Raymond Burr (1993) Barbara Hale (2017)

Constance Towers and Ruta Lee, notable guest stars, are still alive. Towers, a former supermodel and actress, remained a constant fixture of the 1960s television landscape.

Reboots and Prequels

While the original series is now a historical piece, Perry Mason has made a comeback in the form of TV movie specials in the 1990s and a prequel HBO series that aired earlier this year. These newer adaptations have brought a fresh perspective to the legal drama and continue to captivate audiences.

In conclusion, while many of the original cast members from the classic Perry Mason series are no longer with us, the enduring legacy of the show continues through the work of guest actors and through the newer adaptations that keep the spirit of Perry Mason alive.