Who was William Talman?
William Talman was an American actor best known for his role as District Attorney Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason television series.
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 and television shows. In 1957, he was cast as Hamilton Burger in Perry Mason, a role he played for nine seasons.
Talman's portrayal of Burger was both menacing and sympathetic. He was a ruthless prosecutor who was always trying to win, but he also had a soft spot for the underdog. Talman's performance 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 a number of other films and television shows, including The Untouchables, The Twilight Zone, and The Fugitive.
Talman died of a heart attack on June 30, 1968, at the age of 53.
Personal Details:
| Birth Name: | William Whitney Talman Jr. |
| Date of Birth: | February 4, 1915 |
| Place of Birth: | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Date of Death: | June 30, 1968 |
| Place of Death: | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Occupation: | Actor |
| Years Active: | 1942-1968 |
| Spouse(s): | Barbara Murdock (m. 1941-1949) |
| Children: | 2 |
Legacy:
William Talman was one of the most popular and respected actors of his time. His portrayal of Hamilton Burger in Perry Mason is still considered one of the best performances in television history.
William Talman
William Talman was an American actor best known for his role as District Attorney Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason television series. Here are seven key aspects of his life and career:
- Actor
- Perry Mason
- Hamilton Burger
- Detroit
- February 4, 1915
- June 30, 1968
- 53
Talman's portrayal of Burger was both menacing and sympathetic. He was a ruthless prosecutor who was always trying to win, but he also had a soft spot for the underdog. Talman's performance 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 a number of other films and television shows, including The Untouchables, The Twilight Zone, and The Fugitive. He was a versatile actor who could play a variety of roles, from villains to heroes.
Talman died of a heart attack on June 30, 1968, at the age of 53. He is still remembered as one of the most popular and respected actors of his time.
1. Actor
William Talman was an actor best known for his role as District Attorney Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason television series. He was a versatile actor who could play a variety of roles, from villains to heroes.
- Early Career
Talman began his acting career in the early 1940s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows. He gradually worked his way up to larger roles, and by the mid-1950s, he was a well-established character actor. - Perry Mason
Talman's most famous role was as District Attorney Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason television series. He played the role for nine seasons, from 1957 to 1966. Burger was a ruthless prosecutor who was always trying to win, but he also had a soft spot for the underdog. Talman's performance helped to make Perry Mason one of the most popular television shows of its time. - Other Roles
In addition to his work on Perry Mason, Talman also appeared in a number of other films and television shows. He played a variety of roles, including villains, heroes, and everything in between. Some of his most notable roles include the villainous Dr. Loveless in the James Bond film Goldfinger and the sympathetic police officer Lieutenant Tragg in the television series Dragnet. - Legacy
William Talman was one of the most popular and respected actors of his time. He was a versatile actor who could play a variety of roles, and he always gave memorable performances. Talman's legacy continues to live on through his work on Perry Mason and other films and television shows.
Talman's work as an actor had a significant impact on the entertainment industry. He was one of the first actors to play a recurring role on a television series, and his portrayal of Hamilton Burger helped to define the role of the district attorney on television. Talman's work also helped to pave the way for other actors to play complex and challenging roles on television.
2. Perry Mason
The connection between "Perry Mason" and "William Talman" is significant because Talman played the role of District Attorney Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason television series. Burger was a recurring character in the series, appearing in over 200 episodes. He was a ruthless prosecutor who was always trying to win, but he also had a soft spot for the underdog. Talman's performance helped to make Perry Mason one of the most popular television shows of its time.
Talman's portrayal of Burger was both menacing and sympathetic. He was a formidable opponent for Perry Mason, but he also had a sense of fairness. Talman's performance helped to create a complex and nuanced character that viewers could both love and hate.
The connection between "Perry Mason" and "William Talman" is also significant because Talman's performance helped to define the role of the district attorney on television. Before Perry Mason, district attorneys were often portrayed as one-dimensional characters who were always trying to convict the defendant. Talman's portrayal of Burger showed that district attorneys could be complex and sympathetic characters.
Talman's work on Perry Mason had a significant impact on the entertainment industry. He helped to create a new type of television character, and he paved the way for other actors to play complex and challenging roles on television.
3. Hamilton Burger
Hamilton Burger is a fictional character in the Perry Mason novel and television series. He is the District Attorney of Los Angeles County, and he is often portrayed as Perry Mason's main antagonist. However, Burger is not simply a one-dimensional villain. He is a complex character with a strong sense of justice and a deep respect for the law.
- Prosecutor
As the District Attorney, Burger is responsible for prosecuting criminals. He is a skilled prosecutor who is always looking for ways to win his cases. However, Burger is not above using underhanded tactics to get a conviction. - Antagonist
Burger is often portrayed as Perry Mason's main antagonist. He is always trying to find ways to defeat Mason in court. However, Burger also has a grudging respect for Mason's skills as a lawyer. - Complex Character
Burger is not simply a one-dimensional villain. He is a complex character with a strong sense of justice and a deep respect for the law. He is also a loving husband and father. - William Talman
Burger was played by actor William Talman in the Perry Mason television series. Talman's portrayal of Burger was both menacing and sympathetic. He created a character that was both feared and respected.
Hamilton Burger is a fascinating character who has been a part of popular culture for over 60 years. He is a complex and well-developed character who is both a formidable opponent and a sympathetic figure.
4. Detroit
The city of Detroit played a significant role in the life and career of William Talman. Talman was born in Detroit on February 4, 1915. He grew up in the city and attended Cass Technical High School. After graduating from high school, Talman worked as a radio announcer in Detroit before moving to Hollywood to pursue an acting career.
Detroit had a profound impact on Talman's life and work. The city's industrial landscape and working-class culture shaped his worldview and influenced his acting style. Talman was known for his tough-guy persona and his ability to play complex and gritty characters. These qualities were likely influenced by his upbringing in Detroit.
Talman's connection to Detroit is also evident in his work on the television series Perry Mason. Talman played the role of District Attorney Hamilton Burger, a character who was often depicted as being corrupt and ruthless. However, Talman's portrayal of Burger was also sympathetic. He showed that even a character like Burger could have a sense of justice and a desire to do the right thing. This complexity was likely due in part to Talman's own upbringing in Detroit, a city that is known for its both its industrial grit and its strong sense of community.
5. February 4, 1915
The date "February 4, 1915" holds great significance in the life of William Talman, as it marks the day of his birth in Detroit, Michigan. Talman's upbringing in Detroit, a bustling industrial city, profoundly shaped his personal and professional life.
Talman's childhood experiences in Detroit instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the working class. These qualities would later be reflected in his acting career, as he often portrayed tough-guy characters with a heart of gold.
Detroit's industrial landscape also had a significant impact on Talman's acting style. The city's gritty and often unforgiving environment provided him with a wealth of real-life experiences to draw upon in his performances. Talman's ability to portray complex and believable characters was undoubtedly influenced by his upbringing in Detroit.
The connection between "February 4, 1915" and "William Talman" is therefore significant in understanding the actor's life and work. The date of his birth marked the beginning of a journey that would see him become one of the most respected character actors of his time.
6. June 30, 1968
The date "June 30, 1968" marks a somber event in the life of William Talman, renowned actor best known for his portrayal of District Attorney Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason television series. It was on this day that Talman passed away at the age of 53, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a void in the world of entertainment.
- End of an Era
Talman's death marked the end of an era in television history. He had been a mainstay on Perry Mason for nine seasons, and his character, Hamilton Burger, had become synonymous with the show. Talman's departure from the series left a significant void, and his absence was deeply felt by fans.
- Untimely Demise
Talman's death was untimely and unexpected. He had been in good health, and his passing came as a shock to his family, friends, and colleagues. His sudden demise robbed the world of a talented actor who still had much to offer.
- Legacy of Excellence
Despite his untimely death, Talman left behind a legacy of excellence. His performances in Perry Mason and other films and television shows continue to be admired by fans around the world. Talman's talent and dedication to his craft ensured that his work would endure long after his passing.
- Missed Opportunities
Talman's death cut short a promising career. He had many more years of acting ahead of him, and it is impossible to say what he could have achieved if he had lived longer. His untimely demise deprived the world of countless future performances that would have undoubtedly enriched the world of entertainment.
The date "June 30, 1968" serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the time we have. Talman's legacy reminds us that even those who leave us too soon can continue to inspire and entertain us through their work.
7. 53
The number "53" holds a significant connection to the life and legacy of William Talman, an acclaimed actor best known for his portrayal of District Attorney Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason television series.
Talman's association with the number "53" stems from the untimely end of his life at the age of 53 on June 30, 1968. His sudden demise cut short a promising career and left a void in the world of entertainment.
Talman's death at the age of 53 serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. It also highlights the impact that even a relatively short career can have on the world. Talman's legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences through his memorable performances, showcasing the enduring power of his talent.
Frequently Asked Questions about William Talman
This section provides answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about William Talman, an acclaimed actor best known for his portrayal of District Attorney Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason television series.
Question 1: What was William Talman's most famous role?
William Talman's most famous role was District Attorney Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason television series. He played the role for nine seasons, from 1957 to 1966.
Question 2: When was William Talman born?
William Talman was born on February 4, 1915, in Detroit, Michigan.
Question 3: When did William Talman die?
William Talman died on June 30, 1968, at the age of 53.
Question 4: What was the cause of William Talman's death?
The cause of William Talman's death was a heart attack.
Question 5: What is William Talman's legacy?
William Talman is remembered as one of the most popular and respected character actors of his time. His portrayal of Hamilton Burger helped to define the role of the district attorney on television, and his work on Perry Mason and other films and television shows continues to be admired by fans around the world.
These frequently asked questions provide a glimpse into the life and career of William Talman, a talented actor who left a lasting mark on the world of entertainment.
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To learn more about William Talman's life and work, please continue reading the following sections.
Conclusion
William Talman was a talented actor who left a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment. His portrayal of District Attorney Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason television series is still considered one of the best performances in television history. Talman's work helped to define the role of the district attorney on television, and he paved the way for other actors to play complex and challenging roles.
Talman's death at the age of 53 was a tragic loss for the entertainment industry. However, his work continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world. Talman's legacy is a reminder that even a relatively short career can have a profound impact.
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