Barbara Hale - Remembering A Familiar Face On Screen
When you think about classic television, there are some faces that just pop into your mind, aren't there? One such person, a very familiar presence for so many, was Barbara Hale. She was an American actress, and people really remembered her for playing Della Street on the popular show, 'Perry Mason,' which first aired back in 1957. That show, you know, really captured the attention of a lot of viewers for quite some time.
She was more than just that one well-known character, though. Barbara Hale showed up in a good number of films and even on the radio, too. You might also recall her as a spokesperson for Amana Radaranges, which, in a way, made her a household name beyond just acting. Her career, actually, spanned quite a few years, leaving a lasting impression on folks who watched her work.
Her life story is a pretty interesting one, starting from her childhood and going all the way through her long career and family life. It's almost as if she was a part of so many different parts of entertainment history. We'll take a closer look at her beginnings, her famous roles, and the family she built, giving us a more complete picture of who Barbara Hale was.
Table of Contents
- Barbara Hale - A Look at Her Life
- What Were Barbara Hale's Early Days Like?
- How Did Barbara Hale Get to Hollywood?
- Who Was Della Street to Barbara Hale?
- What Else Did Barbara Hale Do?
- Barbara Hale - Her Personal Life
- Barbara Hale - Her Lasting Impact and Passing
- Summary of Barbara Hale's Story
Barbara Hale - A Look at Her Life
Barbara Hale, whose full birth name was Barbara Bernice Hale, was a popular actress. She was born on April 18, 1922, in DeKalb, Illinois. Her father, Luther Ezra Hale, was a landscape gardener, and her mother was Wilma Colvin. She also had a sister named Juanita. Her story, you know, really starts in a small town before she made her way to the bright lights of Hollywood.
Personal Details and Bio Data of Barbara Hale
Here's a quick look at some personal facts about Barbara Hale:
| Full Name | Barbara Bernice Hale |
| Born | April 18, 1922 |
| Birthplace | DeKalb, Illinois, USA |
| Parents | Luther Ezra Hale (father), Wilma Colvin (mother) |
| Sister | Juanita Hale |
| Spouse | Bill Williams (married) |
| Children | Three, including William Katt |
| Died | January 26, 2017 |
| Age at Death | 94 years old |
| Place of Death | Sherman Oaks, California, USA |
| Known For | Playing Della Street on 'Perry Mason' |
| Approx. Net Worth (at time of death) | $1.9 million |
What Were Barbara Hale's Early Days Like?
Before she became a well-known face on screens, Barbara Hale had a childhood that, in a way, hinted at her future in performance. Growing up in DeKalb, Illinois, she started to show an interest in the arts at a fairly young age. It's interesting how some people just seem to be drawn to things like that from the very beginning, isn't it?
Childhood - Barbara Hale's First Steps
As a young girl, Barbara Hale was not just sitting around. At the age of twelve, she began taking lessons in ballet and also started tap dancing. These early experiences with movement and rhythm, you know, might have given her a sense of stage presence even then. She also began to participate in local theater plays, which, arguably, gave her some of her first tastes of acting in front of people. These early activities were, in some respects, foundational for what she would do later in life.
Education and Early Work - Barbara Hale's Path to Acting
After she finished high school, Barbara Hale enrolled at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. Her initial plan was to major in art and drawing, which is a bit different from acting, isn't it? But, to help pay her way through the academy, she began working as a model. This modeling work wasn't just for fashion, though; she actually modeled for a comic strip called 'Ramblin'.' This, in a way, was her professional start, even if it wasn't quite acting yet. It's fascinating how one path can lead to another, sometimes quite unexpectedly.
How Did Barbara Hale Get to Hollywood?
It's interesting to think about how people made their way to Hollywood back then, especially during a time like World War II. Barbara Hale, being from Illinois, found herself arriving in the bustling movie capital during this period. This was a time when the film industry was still very much a central part of American culture, and it offered opportunities for new faces. Her arrival marked a new chapter, obviously, for her career.
The RKO Years - Barbara Hale's Film Appearances
Once in Hollywood, Barbara Hale secured a contract with RKO Radio Pictures, and she stayed with them throughout the late 1940s. This was a pretty significant period for her, as it allowed her to gain experience and visibility in films. She took on the lead female part in 'West of the Pecos' in 1945, which was an important step. Then, she received top billing in two other films, 'Lady Luck' in 1946 and 'The Window' in 1949. These roles, you know, really showed her range and ability to carry a movie, establishing her as a capable performer in her own right. She was, in a way, building a solid foundation for her career.
Who Was Della Street to Barbara Hale?
For many people, the name Barbara Hale is almost automatically linked to one specific character: Della Street. This role, in some respects, became the defining part of her career, making her a beloved figure in countless homes. It's quite something when a performer becomes so strongly identified with a single character, isn't it?
The Iconic Role - Barbara Hale as Della Street
Barbara Hale is best remembered for playing Della Street, the steadfast and capable secretary to the defense attorney Perry Mason, in the television series 'Perry Mason' (1957). She also continued this role in the subsequent 'Perry Mason' television movies. Her portrayal of Della Street was, in a way, truly astounding. She brought a quiet strength and intelligence to the character, making Della much more than just a background figure. Audiences really connected with her calm demeanor and her loyalty to Perry Mason. This part, you know, captivated audiences for decades and left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. She was, quite simply, the Della Street that everyone knew and liked.
What Else Did Barbara Hale Do?
While Della Street was her most famous role, Barbara Hale was, in fact, a performer who could do a lot of different things. She didn't just stick to one type of character or one kind of medium. Her career showed a breadth of work that might surprise some people who only know her from 'Perry Mason.' It's a testament to her skills, really, that she had such a varied body of work.
A Versatile Talent - Barbara Hale's Other Projects
Barbara Hale was a very versatile actress. She didn't just appear on television; she also showed up in films and on the radio. She starred in movies alongside some really big names, too, like Frank Sinatra, Robert Young, and Charlton Heston. This shows, in a way, that she was highly regarded in the industry and could hold her own with established stars. Beyond acting, she also took on the role of a spokeswoman for Amana Radaranges ovens, which meant she was seen in commercials, too. This expanded her public presence even more, making her face familiar in different settings. She was, quite literally, everywhere for a while.
Barbara Hale - Her Personal Life
Away from the cameras and the set, Barbara Hale had a rich personal life. She was married to actor Bill Williams, and together they had three children. One of their children, William Katt, also became an actor, perhaps most recognized for starring in 'The Greatest American Hero' back in 1981. It's interesting how talent, in some respects, can run in families, isn't it? Her family was clearly a very important part of her life, providing a foundation amidst her busy career.
Barbara Hale - Her Lasting Impact and Passing
Barbara Hale was a remarkable actress who, honestly, left a significant mark on the world of entertainment. With her considerable talent and her classic beauty, she truly captivated audiences for many, many years. Her presence on screen was, quite simply, amazing, whether it was in her iconic role as Della Street or in her memorable performances in various films. She was a familiar face that brought comfort and enjoyment to so many viewers.
A family spokeswoman shared that Barbara Hale, who played the steady secretary Della Street on 'Perry Mason,' passed away at the age of 94. She died on January 26, 2017, at her home in Sherman Oaks, California. At the time of her passing, her approximate net worth was $1.9 million. Her passing marked the end of an era for many who grew up watching her, but her work, you know, continues to be enjoyed by new generations.
Summary of Barbara Hale's Story
This article has explored the life and career of Barbara Hale, an American actress most recognized for her role as Della Street on 'Perry Mason.' We looked at her early life in DeKalb, Illinois, including her childhood interest in ballet and local theater, and her initial plans to study art. We also covered her beginnings in Hollywood during World War II, her time under contract with RKO Radio Pictures, and her appearances in films like 'West of the Pecos,' 'Lady Luck,' and 'The Window.' The piece highlighted her versatility, showing her work in films with other notable actors and her role as a spokeswoman. Finally, we touched upon her personal life, including her marriage to Bill Williams and their children, and noted her passing in 2017 at the age of 94.
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Barbara Hale — The Movie Database (TMDB)
Barbara Hale - Profile Images — The Movie Database (TMDB)
Barbara Hale - Actress
