Sherman Oaks, Calif.– Barbara Hale, a wavy-haired model and Hollywood leading lady of the 1940s and 1950s who had a long television career as the devoted secretary Della Street to Raymond Burr’s tireless defense lawyer Perry Mason, died Jan. 26 at her home here. She was 94.
MSTies will remember her role as Dr. Jenny Langer in the movie in episode 810- THE GIANT SPIDER INVASION.
The Washington Post has the story.
Thanks to Paul for the heads up.
Mary Tyler Moore, Mike Connors, and now Barbara Hale. What a crappy end to an already crappy week.
I always loved Barbara as Della Street – she was so elegant and classy. And what a voice!
Her last roll down the hill.
Classy and knew how to pull off a pantsuit.
Oh no! I was just watching Giant Spider Invasion last night too.
DarkGrandmaofDeath, just heard that the War Doctor, John Hurt died. Man, January has been rough for old actors.
RIP
and “BEEEEEEEEEEN!”
She died the same day as John Hurt, which means the press coverage of her will be rather small.
Like Linda Hunt.
She seemed like a nice person, but I never thought she made a good Della Street. She was too 1950s bland-ish.
Never had any sort of chemistry with Raymond Burr. Yeah, yeah, he was kinda gay, but he did have a thing for Natalie Wood
I always remember an episode of Perry Mason where you had this nerdy beatnik girl who was the client, and she was really pretty. But at the end of the show Della takes her to a beauty parlor and she gets permed hair, way too much makeup and looks hideous. Yet was now supposed to be so glamorous.
I had learned of Barbara Hale by reading about her son: William Katt, best known as the prom date in Carrie.
Other trivia about Barbara Hale is that she was a member of the Baha’i faith.
Or as the lead on The Greatest American Hero.
Add John Hurt to the list.
You rolled on me!
And it just hit me this morning as I was taking out Volume 10: It has The Giant Spider Invasion and Swamp Diamonds. So now the tribute viewing for Connors and Hale got easier–and SPOOKIER.
THE GIANT SPIDER INVASION is one of my favorite episodes. Watched it recently, even the original uncut version. I didn’t realize she was the mother of William Katt (HOUSE, CARRIE). RIP
I’m a big Perry Mason fan and a big fan of Barbara Hale. While Perry Mason was her boss, Della was his equal in every way. He took advice from her and respected her. In one episode, Della’s friend is being blackmailed, Della asks Perry “how far would you go for a friend” and Perry says to the end of the earth. She blurts out she needs $25,000 and Perry immediately writes her a check, no questions asked.
Having said that, THE GIANT SPIDER INVASION is one of my favorites, and the classic example that a good cast can’t save a bad script. I read somewhere Barbara Hale knew the film was riffed and didn’t mind at all.
Sad day, three of the best lost. Spending the weekend watching SPIDER INVASION, MANNIX…..double MANNIX, and I CLAUDIUS.
I was watching Bride of the Monster yesterday and it had a “MANNIX!” in it.
Guys…is Mikey okay??
Too many, too fast. We also lost one of Bobo’s favorite singers: John Wetton of the band Asia passed away yesterday.
WHOA. I think I was actually watching Giant Spider Invasion WHEN SHE DIED.
Well, I”m off to watch Home Alone 2…