Barbara Hale, ‘Perry Mason’ Star, Dies At 94

Barbara Hale, known for her role in Perry Mason, died at 94 years old.

Hale, a former contract player at RKO and Columbia who made more than 50 films before landing her signature role, died Thursday at her Sherman Oaks home in Los Angeles.

The actress played the character of secretary Della Street alongside Raymond Burr on the set of the legendary courtroom drama. Her role continued for 9 seasons and 30 telefilms.

She is survived by her son William Katt, best known as the star of the 1980s ABC series The Greatest American Hero.

“We’ve all been so lucky to have her for so long,” Katt wrote. “She was gracious and kind and silly and always fun to be with. A wonderful actress and smart businesswoman, she was most of all a treasure as a friend and mother!”

“We’re all a little lost without her,” Katt continued, “but we have extraordinary stories and memories to take with us for the rest of our lives.”

Hale was born April 18, 1922, in DeKalb, Illinois. After graduating from Rockford High School, she studied art and drawing at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, and modeled for a comic strip called Ramblin’ Bill. That got her tryout at RKO. She received two Emmy nominations (winning in 1959) for her role in Perry Mason.