Raymond Burr, a Canadian actor born on May 21, 1917, in New Westminster, British Columbia, became one of Hollywood’s most revered stars. Over the span of his career, Burr appeared in more than 90 films and television productions, becoming widely known for his role as Perry Mason in the iconic crime drama series of the same name. His career trajectory placed him among the most respected actors of his time, admired not only for his acting prowess but for his remarkable versatility, playing roles that spanned from law enforcement officers to villains in classic films like Rear Window and A Cry in the Night. Yet, behind the public persona of the dignified, confident actor was a hidden story—a tale that Burr himself kept shrouded in secrecy for most of his life.

Burr’s private life was, in many ways, as mysterious as the roles he played on screen. Despite being one of the most famous actors in Hollywood during the 1950s and 1960s, he lived with a secret that he was determined to keep hidden—his sexuality. In an era when being openly gay could have meant the end of a successful career, Burr believed that his private life could not come to light, lest it harm his professional achievements. As such, he led a life that was far removed from his real self, fabricating stories about wives and children that never existed, all to maintain an image of normalcy in the eyes of the public.

Raymond Burr’s early life was marked by hardship. He was only six years old when his parents divorced, and he, along with his mother, relocated to Vallejo, California, during the Great Depression. Faced with financial struggles, Burr dropped out of school and took up various jobs, including as a ranch hand, a nightclub singer, and even a deputy sheriff. However, his true passion lay in acting. As a teenager, he began performing in school plays and radio dramas, quickly realizing that he had a natural talent for the craft. At the age of 16, he enrolled at the Pasadena Playhouse, where he began his formal training. His journey took him from California to Canada and England, where he honed his skills in theater before returning to the United States to act on Broadway and teach at Columbia University. Burr’s career in acting was on an upward trajectory, but it wasn’t until he made his film debut in San Quentin in 1946 that he truly started to gain recognition.

Burr quickly became known for playing heavy, often villainous roles. His portrayal of the prosecuting attorney in A Place in the Sun (1951) and the role of the sinister killer in Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window (1954) solidified his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most reliable and versatile actors. He starred alongside legends such as Frank Sinatra, Erol Flynn, and Natalie Wood, gaining fame for his compelling performances and commanding presence on screen. In 1956, Burr’s career took a significant turn when he was cast as the titular character in the television series Perry Mason, a role that would define his career. He portrayed the sharp, determined defense attorney for over 270 episodes, earning critical acclaim and two Emmy Awards for his work. Perry Mason became a hit, not only elevating Burr to a household name but also turning him into one of the most beloved figures in television history.

Despite his professional success, Burr’s personal life remained a closely guarded secret. He went to great lengths to present a false narrative to the public, often fabricating stories about tragic marriages and a son who died at a young age. He claimed that his first wife, Annette Sutherland, died in a plane crash, and that his second wife, Isabella Ward, had divorced him. He also spoke of a son named Michael Evan who had tragically passed away from leukemia. These tales were ultimately revealed to be fabrications, as Burr’s biographer Michael Starr later uncovered that none of these people ever existed. Burr’s second marriage to Isabella Ward had indeed occurred, but it was brief and devoid of the tragic backstory he had presented to the media. It became clear that Burr had constructed a complex web of lies to obscure his true identity, even going so far as to imply that his relationships were the result of deep personal tragedies.

The reality, however, was that Burr had a long-term partner, Robert Benevides, with whom he shared his life for over 30 years. It was not until after Burr’s death that details about his personal relationships began to surface. In the years following Burr’s passing, his biographer Michael Starr and others revealed that Burr had been gay, but had kept this aspect of his identity hidden for the sake of his career. It was also disclosed that Burr had been introduced to Benevides by the infamous Hollywood figure Scotty Bowers, who was known for facilitating sexual encounters among the stars. Bowers confirmed that Burr’s relationship with Benevides was long-lasting, but because of the social climate of the time, Burr had to keep it private.

Burr’s fear of exposing his sexuality was not unfounded. Hollywood in the mid-20th century was a place where the personal lives of stars were often as important as their professional achievements, and any deviation from societal norms could lead to the ruin of an actor’s career. Burr’s decision to hide his sexuality, however, was not merely a result of Hollywood pressures. It was, in part, a personal choice shaped by his own insecurities and the fear of how his career would be perceived if his true identity were revealed.

Despite the lies and deceptions that defined much of his personal life, Burr also showed a side of himself that was deeply compassionate. He is reported to have “adopted” 25 children from around the world, including from places like Vietnam and Fiji, and took an active role in their lives. He wrote letters, provided financial support, and even traveled to visit them. Burr’s generosity and kindness were well-known, and he left behind a legacy that went beyond his acting career. In his later years, Burr’s estate was left to his longtime partner, Robert Benevides, with whom he had shared a deep and meaningful relationship.

Raymond Burr passed away from kidney cancer in 1993 at the age of 76, leaving behind a body of work that continues to resonate with audiences to this day. Though his life was marked by secrets and fabrications, he also touched many lives with his generosity and compassion. His story is a reminder that the pressures of fame and societal expectations can shape the choices people make, but it is also a testament to the enduring power of love, even when it is hidden in plain sight.