William Talman (actor)

William Talman in One Minute to Zero trailer

William Talman
Born	William Whitney Talman Jr. (1915-02-04)February 4, 1915 Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Died	August 30, 1968(1968-08-30) (aged 53) Encino, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1940–1967
Children	6

William Whitney Talman Jr. (February 4, 1915 – August 30, 1968) was an American actor. He is best known for his role as Hamilton Burger in the long-running television series Perry Mason.

Early life

Talman was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Ada Barber and William Whitney Talman, a vice president of an electronics company. He attended Cranbrook Schools and later Dartmouth College. Talman developed an interest in acting while in college and participated in various theater productions.

Career

Talman's early career included work in theater and film. He made his film debut in Red, Hot and Blue (1949). He appeared in several film noir classics, including The Hitch-Hiker (1953) and Big House, U.S.A. (1955).

Perry Mason

Talman is best remembered for his role as Hamilton Burger, the district attorney who constantly lost cases to defense attorney Perry Mason, played by Raymond Burr. The show aired from 1957 to 1966 and became a defining part of Talman's career.

Personal life

Talman was married three times and had six children. He was known for his dedication to his family and his work. In 1968, Talman became the first actor to film an anti-smoking public service announcement for the American Cancer Society, shortly before his death from lung cancer.

Death

William Talman died on August 30, 1968, in Encino, Los Angeles, California, from lung cancer. He was 53 years old.

Legacy

Talman's portrayal of Hamilton Burger remains iconic in the history of television. His work in film noir also continues to be appreciated by fans of the genre.

Filmography

Film

• Red, Hot and Blue (1949)
• The Hitch-Hiker (1953)
• Big House, U.S.A. (1955)

Television

• Perry Mason (1957–1966)

See also

• Perry Mason (TV series)
• Hamilton Burger
• Raymond Burr