The Mystery of Raymond Burr's Earnings: Unraveling the Salaries for Perry Mason and Ironside
Ever wondered how much Raymond Burr got paid for his iconic roles in television series like Perry Mason and Ironside? This article delves into the intricacies of his compensation, uncovering the mystery shrouded in his earnings over the decades. While some details remain elusive, we do have some valuable insights to share.
Raymond Burr's Starring Role in Perry Mason
One of the most celebrated legal dramas in television history is Perry Mason, the series that made Raymond Burr a household name. Casting sources often estimate royalties and earnings by the time or number of visits to the studio. In episodes of this series, the figures can be quite substantial, but pinpointing an exact per-episode salary for Burr during the show's prime run in the 1960s requires careful examination of historical records and reliable sources.
According to The Secret Life of Raymond Burr by Michael Seth Starr, Burr made $2 million within eight years of playing Perry Mason. While this is a striking figure, it's important to note that it might not directly correlate to his per-episode compensation. The claim is impressive and indicates the series' profitability, but it doesn't provide specific details about his pay per episode.
The Early Days and Late Series of Perry Mason
Breaking down Burr's earnings at different stages of the series involves looking into the financial records of his time. In the early days, Burr's per-episode salary could have been lower, as the show was just gaining popularity. However, as the series matured and gained higher ratings, his compensation increased. By the end of the series in 1966, an authoritative source mentions that Burr was earning $18,500 per episode. This figure suggests a significant rise in his earnings over the years, reflecting the show's ongoing success and Burr's established status in the industry.
The Elusive Earnings of Ironside
Compared to the wealth of information available for his role in Perry Mason, data regarding Raymond Burr's salary for the series Ironside is surprisingly scarce. While Perry Mason provided a well-documented financial trajectory, Ironside has left a much smaller footprint in the annals of television history when it comes to Burr's earnings.
Further research is needed to uncover Ironside's financial dealings and Burr's exact compensation during its run. If you have any information or sources to share, feel free to leave a comment. Together, we can piece together the puzzle of Raymond Burr's earnings across his iconic television roles.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Raymond Burr
Raymond Burr's legacy in television is undeniable, and his earnings tell a story of success and progression. From the initial days of Perry Mason with the possibility of earning $20,000 at the studio to the record-breaking $2 million within eight years, and final episodes with a per-episode salary of $18,500, Burr's compensation reflects the evolution of television series and the enduring appeal of his characters. While the financial records of Ironside are less detailed, the mystery sparks curiosity and highlights the importance of further investigation into the business side of the entertainment industry.
References:
[1] The Secret Life of Raymond Burr by Michael Seth Starr
[2] Source of the authoritative reference about Burr's salary for Perry Mason at the end of the series in 1966.