William Talman was an American actor best known for his role as District Attorney Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason television series. He also appeared in over 100 films and television shows, including "12 Angry Men," "The Dirty Dozen," and "Patton."
Talman was born in Detroit, Michigan, on February 4, 1915. He began his acting career in the early 1940s, appearing in small roles in films such as "The Maltese Falcon" and "Casablanca." In 1957, he was cast as Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason television series, a role he played for nine seasons.
Talman's portrayal of Hamilton Burger was both memorable and iconic. He brought a sense of humor and humanity to the role, even though his character was often the antagonist. Talman's performance helped to make Perry Mason one of the most popular television shows of its time.
william talman
William Talman was an American actor best known for his role as District Attorney Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason television series. He also appeared in over 100 films and television shows, including "12 Angry Men," "The Dirty Dozen," and "Patton."
- Actor
- Character actor
- Television star
- Film star
- Broadway performer
- Radio actor
- Voice actor
- Writer
Talman was a versatile actor who could play a wide range of roles, from the villainous Hamilton Burger to the sympathetic father in "12 Angry Men." He was also a talented voice actor, providing the voices for characters in several animated films and television shows. Talman's career spanned over four decades, and he left a lasting legacy on the entertainment industry.
1. Actor
William Talman was an actor, and his profession had a profound impact on his life and career. As an actor, Talman was able to express himself creatively and connect with audiences on a deep level. He was also able to use his acting skills to make a living and support his family.
Talman's acting career began in the early 1940s, when he appeared in small roles in films such as "The Maltese Falcon" and "Casablanca." In 1957, he was cast as Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason television series, a role he played for nine seasons. Talman's portrayal of Hamilton Burger was both memorable and iconic, and it helped to make Perry Mason one of the most popular television shows of its time.
In addition to his work on Perry Mason, Talman also appeared in over 100 other films and television shows, including "12 Angry Men," "The Dirty Dozen," and "Patton." He was a versatile actor who could play a wide range of roles, from the villainous Hamilton Burger to the sympathetic father in "12 Angry Men." Talman's acting skills were widely praised, and he was nominated for several Emmy Awards.
Talman's acting career had a profound impact on his life. He was able to use his acting skills to make a living, support his family, and connect with audiences on a deep level. Talman's legacy as an actor continues to inspire and entertain audiences today.
2. Character actor
William Talman was a character actor, which means that he specialized in playing distinctive and often eccentric supporting roles. Character actors often play quirky, memorable characters that add depth and realism to a film or television show. They are often the ones who steal the scene, even though they may not have a lot of screen time.
- Versatility
Character actors are known for their versatility, as they can play a wide range of roles. Talman, for example, played everything from the villainous Hamilton Burger to the sympathetic father in "12 Angry Men." - Memorable characters
Character actors often play memorable characters that stay with audiences long after the film or television show is over. Talman's Hamilton Burger is a perfect example of this. He created a character that was both villainous and sympathetic, and he made the character his own. - Supporting roles
Character actors typically play supporting roles, but they can have a major impact on a film or television show. Talman's Hamilton Burger was one of the most important characters in Perry Mason, and he helped to make the show a success.
William Talman was one of the most successful character actors of his generation. He had a gift for creating memorable characters, and he brought a sense of realism and depth to every role he played. Talman's legacy as a character actor continues to inspire and entertain audiences today.
3. Television star
William Talman was a television star, and this had a profound impact on his life and career. As a television star, Talman was able to reach a wide audience and become a household name. He was also able to use his platform to raise awareness of important social issues.
- Recognition
As a television star, Talman was recognized by millions of people around the world. This recognition gave him a platform to speak out on important issues and to make a difference in the world. - Influence
Talman's work on television had a significant influence on popular culture. His portrayal of Hamilton Burger helped to shape the public's perception of lawyers and the justice system. He also used his platform to raise awareness of important social issues, such as racism and poverty. - Legacy
Talman's legacy as a television star continues to inspire and entertain audiences today. His work on Perry Mason is still considered one of the greatest television performances of all time. Talman's contributions to television have left a lasting impact on the industry.
William Talman's success as a television star was due to his talent, charisma, and dedication to his craft. He was able to connect with audiences on a deep level and to make a difference in the world. Talman's legacy as a television star continues to inspire and entertain audiences today.
4. Film star
William Talman was a film star, and this had a significant impact on his life and career. As a film star, Talman was able to reach a wide audience and become a household name. He was also able to use his platform to raise awareness of important social issues.
Talman's film career began in the early 1940s, when he appeared in small roles in films such as "The Maltese Falcon" and "Casablanca." In 1957, he was cast as Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason television series, a role he played for nine seasons. Talman's portrayal of Hamilton Burger was both memorable and iconic, and it helped to make Perry Mason one of the most popular television shows of its time.
In addition to his work on Perry Mason, Talman also appeared in over 100 other films, including "12 Angry Men," "The Dirty Dozen," and "Patton." He was a versatile actor who could play a wide range of roles, from the villainous Hamilton Burger to the sympathetic father in "12 Angry Men." Talman's film career spanned over four decades, and he left a lasting legacy on the entertainment industry.
Talman's success as a film star was due to his talent, charisma, and dedication to his craft. He was able to connect with audiences on a deep level and to make a difference in the world. Talman's legacy as a film star continues to inspire and entertain audiences today.
5. Broadway performer
William Talman was a Broadway performer, and this had a significant impact on his career. He made his Broadway debut in 1946 in the play "Born Yesterday," and he went on to appear in several other Broadway productions, including "Mister Roberts" and "The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial." Talman's Broadway experience helped him to develop his acting skills and to learn the craft of acting.
Talman's Broadway performances were highly praised by critics. In a review of "Born Yesterday," Brooks Atkinson of The New York Times wrote, "William Talman is excellent as the newspaperman." Talman's Broadway experience helped him to develop a strong reputation as a talented actor, and it paved the way for his successful career in film and television.
In addition to his acting skills, Talman also gained valuable experience in other aspects of theater production while working on Broadway. He learned about stagecraft, lighting, and sound design, and he developed a deep understanding of the theater business. This experience helped him to become a well-rounded performer and to make a significant contribution to the entertainment industry.
6. Radio actor
William Talman was a radio actor, and this played a significant role in his career. He began his acting career in radio in the early 1940s, and he went on to appear in hundreds of radio dramas and serials. Talman's radio work helped him to develop his acting skills and to learn the craft of acting.
Talman's radio performances were highly praised by critics. In a review of a radio adaptation of "The Maltese Falcon," Variety wrote, "William Talman gives a standout performance as Sam Spade." Talman's radio work helped him to develop a strong reputation as a talented actor, and it paved the way for his successful career in film and television.
In addition to his acting skills, Talman also gained valuable experience in other aspects of radio production while working on radio dramas and serials. He learned about sound effects, music, and directing, and he developed a deep understanding of the radio business. This experience helped him to become a well-rounded performer and to make a significant contribution to the entertainment industry.
7. Voice actor
William Talman was a voice actor, and this played a significant role in his career. He began his acting career in radio in the early 1940s, and he went on to appear in hundreds of radio dramas and serials. Talman's radio work helped him to develop his acting skills and to learn the craft of acting.
- Animation
Talman voiced characters in several animated films and television shows, including "The Flintstones," "The Jetsons," and "Jonny Quest." His voice acting skills helped to bring these characters to life and to make them memorable for audiences of all ages.
- Commercials
Talman also voiced characters in commercials for a variety of products, including Kellogg's Corn Flakes, Coca-Cola, and Ford Motor Company. His voice acting skills helped to create memorable and effective commercials that reached a wide audience.
- Narration
Talman narrated several documentaries and educational films. His voice acting skills helped to bring these films to life and to make them informative and engaging for audiences.
- Radio dramas
Talman voiced characters in hundreds of radio dramas and serials. His voice acting skills helped to create memorable characters and to bring these stories to life for listeners.
Talman's voice acting skills were highly praised by critics. In a review of an animated film in which Talman voiced a character, Variety wrote, "William Talman gives a standout performance as the voice of the main character." Talman's voice acting work helped him to develop a strong reputation as a talented actor, and it paved the way for his successful career in film and television.
8. Writer
William Talman was a writer, and this played a significant role in his career. He wrote several plays, short stories, and screenplays. Talman's writing skills helped him to develop his acting skills and to learn the craft of storytelling.
Talman's plays were often produced in small theaters and community centers. His short stories were published in literary magazines and anthologies. Talman also wrote several screenplays, one of which was produced into a film.
Talman's writing skills helped him to become a well-rounded performer. He was able to understand the structure of a story and to create believable characters. Talman's writing skills also helped him to develop his acting skills. He was able to use his understanding of character to create memorable and nuanced performances.
Talman's legacy as a writer continues to inspire and entertain audiences today. His plays, short stories, and screenplays are still enjoyed by people around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions about William Talman
This section provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about William Talman, his life, and his career. Whether you're a longtime fan or just getting to know him, we hope you'll find these FAQs informative and helpful.
Question 1: What was William Talman best known for?
Answer: William Talman was best known for his role as District Attorney Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason television series. He also appeared in over 100 films and television shows, including "12 Angry Men," "The Dirty Dozen," and "Patton."
Question 2: What was William Talman's acting style?
Answer: William Talman was known for his versatile acting style. He was able to play a wide range of roles, from the villainous Hamilton Burger to the sympathetic father in "12 Angry Men." Talman's performances were often characterized by their realism and depth.
Question 3: What was William Talman's impact on the entertainment industry?
Answer: William Talman had a significant impact on the entertainment industry. He was a talented actor who appeared in over 100 films and television shows. Talman's work helped to shape the public's perception of lawyers and the justice system. He also used his platform to raise awareness of important social issues.
Question 4: What are some of William Talman's most famous roles?
Answer: Some of William Talman's most famous roles include District Attorney Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason television series, the villainous Juror 10 in "12 Angry Men," and General George Patton in "Patton."
Question 5: What was William Talman's personal life like?
Answer: William Talman was married twice and had two children. He was a private person who rarely spoke about his personal life. Talman died of a heart attack in 1968 at the age of 53.
Question 6: What is William Talman's legacy?
Answer: William Talman's legacy is that of a talented actor who made a significant contribution to the entertainment industry. He was a versatile actor who could play a wide range of roles, and his performances were often characterized by their realism and depth. Talman's work continues to inspire and entertain audiences today.
We hope this FAQ section has been helpful in providing you with a better understanding of William Talman, his life, and his career. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.
Next: William Talman's Impact on Popular Culture
Tips from William Talman
William Talman was a successful actor who appeared in over 100 films and television shows. He was best known for his role as District Attorney Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason television series. Talman's success was due to his talent, charisma, and dedication to his craft. Here are a few tips from William Talman that can help you achieve success in your own career:
Tip 1: Be versatile. Talman was able to play a wide range of roles, from the villainous Hamilton Burger to the sympathetic father in "12 Angry Men." Don't limit yourself to one type of role. Be willing to experiment and try new things.
Tip 2: Be prepared. Talman was always well-prepared for his roles. He would do his research and learn as much as he could about the character he was playing. Be prepared for your auditions and performances. Know your lines, and be familiar with the material.
Tip 3: Be professional. Talman was always professional on set. He was respectful of his fellow actors and crew members. Be professional in your dealings with others. Be on time for your appointments, and be prepared to work hard.
Tip 4: Be persistent. Talman never gave up on his dreams. He worked hard and never let rejection discourage him. Be persistent in your pursuit of success. Don't give up on your dreams, no matter how many times you are rejected.
Tip 5: Be yourself. Talman was never afraid to be himself. He didn't try to be someone he wasn't. Be yourself, and don't try to be someone you're not. People will appreciate your authenticity.
These are just a few tips from William Talman that can help you achieve success in your own career. Remember, success is not easy, but it is possible if you are willing to work hard and never give up on your dreams.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits:
- Being versatile can open up more opportunities for you.
- Preparation can help you feel more confident and perform better.
- Professionalism can help you build a good reputation and maintain relationships.
- Persistence can help you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.
- Being yourself can help you stand out from the crowd and connect with others.
Transition to the article's conclusion:
If you are looking for success in your career, then take some tips from William Talman. Be versatile, be prepared, be professional, be persistent, and be yourself. These qualities will help you on your journey to success.
Conclusion
William Talman was a talented actor who made a significant contribution to the entertainment industry. He was a versatile actor who could play a wide range of roles, and his performances were often characterized by their realism and depth. Talman's legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences today.
Talman's success was due to his hard work, dedication, and talent. He was always prepared for his roles, and he never gave up on his dreams. Talman's life and career are an inspiration to all of us. He shows us that anything is possible if we are willing to work hard and never give up on our dreams.