William Hopper was a famous American actor who played the role of Paul Drake, the private detective and loyal friend of Perry Mason, in the popular CBS television series. He appeared in more than 80 feature films and several TV shows, but he is best remembered for his work in Perry Mason. He died at the age of 55 on March 6, 1970, after suffering a stroke and pneumonia. Here are some details about his life and death.
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Early Life and Career
William Hopper was born on January 26, 1915, in New York City. He was the only child of actor DeWolf Hopper and actress and Hollywood columnist Hedda Hopper. He made his film debut as a baby in his father’s 1916 silent movie Sunshine Dad. His mother divorced his father in 1922 and moved to Hollywood with their son. Hedda Hopper became one of America’s notorious gossip columnists, and a major proponent of the Hollywood blacklist, with nearly 30 million readers in newspapers in the U.S.
Hopper began his acting career as a teenager. He made his first stage appearance at the Pasadena Community Playhouse, in She Loves Me Not. He worked in summer stock in Ogunquit, Maine. He appeared on Broadway in the short-lived comedy Order Please and as a member of the ensemble in Katharine Cornell’s production of Romeo and Juliet.
In March 1936, Hopper won a contract at Paramount Pictures. Early in his film career, he appeared in numerous movies, uncredited and also under the name DeWolf Hopper. In 1936, he played a small role as a soldier in the Columbia Pictures film The King Steps Out starring Grace Moore and Franchot Tone. In 1937, he portrayed the leading man in two films, Public Wedding with Jane Wyman and Over the Goal with June Travis. He also enjoyed significant roles alongside Ann Sheridan in The Footloose Heiress and Mystery House.
World War II and Post-War Career
Hopper enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II. He served as a volunteer photographer on PT boats in the South Pacific. He was wounded by shrapnel while filming a Japanese attack on his boat. He was awarded the Bronze Star and several other medals for his service.
After the war, he left acting and worked as a car salesman and a syndicated columnist. In the mid-1950s, he was persuaded by director William Wellman to resume his film career. He appeared in several films directed by Wellman, such as Track of the Cat, Good-bye, My Lady, Darby’s Rangers, and Lafayette Escadrille. He also starred in other notable films such as Rebel Without a Cause, The Bad Seed, 20 Million Miles to Earth, The Deadly Mantis, and The Sons of Katie Elder.
Perry Mason and Final Years
Hopper’s most famous role was that of Paul Drake, the private detective who assisted Perry Mason, the brilliant defense lawyer played by Raymond Burr, in solving murder cases. The show ran from 1957 to 1966 and was one of the most successful law shows of all time. Hopper appeared in all 271 episodes of the series, as well as three TV movies based on it.
Hopper was nominated for an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Dramatic Series for his role as Paul Drake in 1959. He also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contribution to television.
After Perry Mason ended, Hopper appeared in a few more films and TV shows, such as The Boston Strangler, The Big Valley, Gunsmoke, Adam-12, and Night Gallery. His last film role was in Myra Breckinridge (1970), which was released after his death.
Death and Legacy
Hopper entered Desert Hospital in Palm Springs, California, on February 14, 1970, after suffering a stroke. He died of pneumonia three weeks later, on March 6, at age 55. He was cremated and his ashes were interred at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, California.
Hopper was survived by his second wife Jan Hopper (whom he married in 1959) and his daughter Joan Hopper (from his first marriage to Jane Gilbert). His mother Hedda Hopper died later that year on February 1.
Hopper is remembered as one of the most beloved actors of his generation. His portrayal of Paul Drake made him a household name and a fan favorite. His chemistry with Raymond Burr and Barbara Hale (who played Perry Mason’s secretary Della Street) was one of the highlights of the show. He also left a mark on film history with his roles in various genres such as drama, comedy, horror, sci-fi, westerns, and war films.
According to IMDb , Hopper has been ranked as #8 on the list of the Greatest TV Sidekicks of All Time. He has also been praised by critics and audiences for his versatility, charisma, and professionalism. He was a talented and respected actor who left behind a legacy of memorable performances.
