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Raymond Burr 1917 - 1993 |  |
By Wendy Turnbull, Reference Librarian, New Westminster Public Library
Raymond Burr was a distinguished actor whose imposing presence graced over 90 motion pictures, numerous television shows, more than 5,000 radio plays, and over 200 stage plays. In sharp contrast to his work in television, Raymond was often cast as the menacing villain in the movies. One of his most notable movie characters was the murderer in the Alfred Hitchcock classic, Rear Window (1954). However, in his famous television roles as defense attorney, Perry Mason, and the wheelchair bound chief-of-police, Ironside, Raymond portrayed quintessential American heroes, champions of the United States justice system. Ironically, Raymond was born in Canada, in New Westminster, British Columbia.
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After his death, his ashes were interred alongside his parents and grandparents in the Fraser Cemetery in New Westminster. Raymond’s loyalty to his Canadian roots was evident in his words and deeds. Throughout his life he proudly maintained dual citizenship as an American and a Canadian: “I get a joy out of claiming I’m Canadian. I have the fortunate situation in that I’m a citizen of both countries.”
Raymond William Stacy Burr was born in New Westminster on May 21, 1917 to William Johnston Burr, a hardware dealer, and Minerva (Smith) Burr, a concert pianist and music teacher. His parents separated when he was six when Minerva took Raymond and his younger siblings, Edmond and Geraldine, to live in a hotel run by her parents in Vallejo, California. William felt his home was in New Westminster while Minerva believed that California could offer her children a better future. Raymond’s Canadian connection was renewed when he got his first professional acting job at age twelve. While up in British Columbia visiting his father, he was hired by a Vancouver theatre company and spent the summer touring all over Canada. Shortly after, he was enrolled at the San Rafael Military Academy in California. Hard times during the Depression forced him to quit his education before graduating from junior high school. In order to support his family he took numerous odd jobs including managing a store, and running a weather station and snow survey for the Forest Service. Raymond’s first job was on a cattle and sheep ranch near Roswell, New Mexico; he worked for 25 cents a day.
After Raymond’s discharge from the Navy he became a contract player at RKO Pictures. His heavy build weighed in his favour and he became a sought-after screen villain. Raymond had a prolific film career that began in 1946 in Without Reservations and San Quentin. He made his mark in the films A Cry in the Night (1956), Godzilla (1954), Rear Window (1954) and his personal favourite, A Place in the Sun (1951). In the fickle medium of television, his long-running series Perry Mason (1957-66) and Ironside (1967-75) had staying power. Raymond was awarded two Emmys from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in 1959 and 1961 for his work as Perry Mason. In 1966 Raymond was awarded lifetime membership to the Native Sons of B.C. He also held a gold life membership card to the Vancouver Newsmen’s Club. In 1970 he participated in the Pacific National Exhibition’s parade and opening ceremonies. Burr also served as spokesperson for the Provincial Victim Assistance Program run by the Office of the Attorney General. In 1987 Raymond was made honorary chairman of the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation’s 125th anniversary fundraising campaign. Burr lent his face for brochures and his sonorous voice for radio spots. In recognition of his significant role in achieving this goal, May 31, 1988, was officially declared Raymond Burr Day in New Westminster. In 1989, Raymond was bestowed with an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from the University of BC in recognition of his work with local charities. Several notable Canadians were also honoured. Joining Raymond at the podium were former British Columbia Lieutenant-Governor, Robert Rogers; David Johnston, head of McGill University; Frank Lacobucci, Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Canada; and John MacDonald, Chairman of MacDonald Detwiler and Associates
Raymond was a tireless promoter of the Canadian entertainment industry. He admired Canadian talent and tried to bring as much of his work to our country as possible. Tomorrow Never Comes (1977) was a movie filmed in Vancouver and Laval, and included Canadian actors Paul Koslo and Stephen McHattie in the cast. While in Montreal, Raymond talked about his motivation for doing a cameo part in this film. He did it, he said, “to find out about film production in Canada from the inside”. As early as 1970, Raymond showed an interest in working in Canada filming two Ironside episodes in Montreal. These shows aired in 1971 and were set at a Montreal criminologists’ convention. In addition, Raymond filmed the movie Out of the Blue in Vancouver in 1980. The spirit of Raymond Burr lives on through the impressive body of his acting work and through the legacy of his charitable endeavours. Burr maintained dual citizenship throughout his life promoting Canadian interest and causes. Canada gave life to Raymond Burr and he made significant contributions to her in return.
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