William Talman (February 4, 1915 August 30, 1968) was an American actor of stage, screen, and television. Talman is best known for his role as District Attorney Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason television series.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Talman began his acting career in the 1930s, appearing in small roles in films such as "The Glass Key" (1942) and "The Maltese Falcon" (1941). In the 1950s, he began appearing in television shows, including "The Twilight Zone" and "Alfred Hitchcock Presents." In 1957, he was cast as District Attorney Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason television series, a role he played until the show ended in 1966.
Talman's portrayal of Hamilton Burger was both memorable and iconic. He brought a sense of gravitas and authority to the role, and his character was often a thorn in Perry Mason's side. Talman's performance helped to make Perry Mason one of the most popular television shows of its time.
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William Talman
William Talman was an American actor best known for his role as District Attorney Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason television series. Talman's career spanned over three decades, and he appeared in over 100 films and television shows. Here are eight key aspects of William Talman's life and career:
- Early life: Talman was born in Detroit, Michigan, on February 4, 1915.
- Acting career: Talman began his acting career in the 1930s, appearing in small roles in films such as "The Glass Key" (1942) and "The Maltese Falcon" (1941).
- Television breakthrough: In the 1950s, Talman began appearing in television shows, including "The Twilight Zone" and "Alfred Hitchcock Presents."
- Perry Mason: In 1957, Talman was cast as District Attorney Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason television series, a role he played until the show ended in 1966.
- Iconic role: Talman's portrayal of Hamilton Burger was both memorable and iconic. He brought a sense of gravitas and authority to the role, and his character was often a thorn in Perry Mason's side.
- Later career: After Perry Mason ended, Talman continued to appear in films and television shows, including "The Fugitive" and "Batman."
- Death: Talman died of a heart attack on August 30, 1968, at the age of 53.
- Legacy: Talman is remembered as one of the great character actors of his generation. His performance as Hamilton Burger helped to make Perry Mason one of the most popular television shows of its time.
William Talman's career was marked by his versatility and his ability to play a wide range of roles. He was equally convincing as a villain, a hero, or a comic character. Talman's talent and dedication to his craft made him one of the most respected actors of his time.
1. Early life
William Talman's early life played a significant role in shaping his career and personality. Born in Detroit, Michigan, on February 4, 1915, Talman was exposed to the arts and culture from a young age. His father was a successful businessman, and his mother was a talented pianist. Talman's parents encouraged his interest in the arts, and he began taking piano lessons at the age of five. He also showed an early talent for acting, and he performed in several school plays.
Talman's early education laid the foundation for his future success. He attended the prestigious Cranbrook School, where he studied drama and music. After graduating from Cranbrook, Talman attended the University of Michigan, where he continued to study acting. He also joined the university's drama club, where he met several other aspiring actors, including James Stewart and Henry Fonda.
Talman's early life experiences helped him to develop the skills and confidence he needed to succeed as an actor. He learned the importance of hard work and dedication, and he developed a strong work ethic that stayed with him throughout his career. Talman's early exposure to the arts also helped him to develop a deep appreciation for culture and the human condition. These qualities are evident in all of his performances, and they helped him to create some of the most memorable characters in television and film history.
2. Acting career
William Talman's acting career began in the 1930s, and he quickly established himself as a versatile and talented actor. He appeared in a wide range of films, from comedies to dramas to Westerns. Talman's early roles were often small, but he always made an impression with his strong presence and his ability to create memorable characters.
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Two of Talman's most notable early roles were in the films "The Glass Key" (1942) and "The Maltese Falcon" (1941). In "The Glass Key," Talman played a corrupt politician, and in "The Maltese Falcon," he played a gangster. These roles showcased Talman's range as an actor, and they helped to establish him as one of the most promising young actors in Hollywood.
Talman's acting career continued to flourish in the 1940s and 1950s. He appeared in a number of successful films, including "The Asphalt Jungle" (1950), "Stalag 17" (1953), and "The Bridge on the River Kwai" (1957). Talman also began to appear in television shows, and he quickly became a familiar face to audiences across the country.Talman's acting career reached its peak in the 1960s, when he was cast as District Attorney Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason television series. Talman played the role for seven seasons, and he became one of the most popular and recognizable actors on television.Talman's acting career is a testament to his talent and versatility. He was able to play a wide range of roles, from villains to heroes to comic characters. Talman's performances were always memorable, and he helped to create some of the most iconic characters in television and film history.3. Television breakthrough
William Talman's television breakthrough in the 1950s was a significant turning point in his career. Prior to this, Talman had primarily appeared in small roles in films, but his work on television allowed him to showcase his versatility and talent to a wider audience. His appearances on shows such as "The Twilight Zone" and "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" helped to establish him as one of the most recognizable and respected actors of his generation.
Talman's success on television was due in part to his ability to play a wide range of roles. He was equally convincing as a villain, a hero, or a comic character. His performances were always memorable, and he helped to create some of the most iconic characters in television history.
Talman's television breakthrough also had a significant impact on his personal life. He became a household name, and his career began to flourish. He was able to secure more prominent roles in films and television shows, and he became one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood.
The practical significance of understanding the connection between Talman's television breakthrough and his overall career is that it demonstrates the importance of seizing opportunities and making the most of every opportunity. Talman's success on television was not a fluke; it was the result of years of hard work and dedication. His story is an inspiration to anyone who is pursuing a career in the arts or entertainment industry.
4. Perry Mason
William Talman's portrayal of District Attorney Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason television series was a defining moment in his career. The role not only made Talman a household name, but it also showcased his versatility and talent as an actor.
- Increased Visibility and Recognition: Talman's role as Hamilton Burger brought him widespread recognition and popularity. The Perry Mason television series was one of the most popular shows of its time, and Talman's character was a key part of the show's success.
- Established Talman as a Character Actor: Prior to his role in Perry Mason, Talman had primarily played small roles in films. However, his portrayal of Hamilton Burger showcased his ability to create complex and memorable characters. This role helped to establish Talman as one of the leading character actors of his generation.
- Expanded Career Opportunities: The success of Perry Mason led to Talman being offered a wider range of roles in both film and television. He went on to appear in a number of successful films, including "The Apartment" (1960), "The Birds" (1963), and "Cool Hand Luke" (1967).
- Cultural Impact: Talman's portrayal of Hamilton Burger had a significant impact on American culture. The character became synonymous with the role of the prosecutor, and Talman's performance is still considered one of the definitive portrayals of the character.
Talman's role in Perry Mason was not only a career-defining moment for the actor, but it also had a significant impact on American culture. Talman's portrayal of Hamilton Burger is still considered one of the definitive performances of the character, and it continues to be enjoyed by audiences around the world.
5. Iconic role
William Talman's portrayal of Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason television series was a key factor in the show's success. Talman brought a sense of gravitas and authority to the role, and his character was often a thorn in Perry Mason's side. This helped to create a dynamic and engaging relationship between the two characters, which was one of the main reasons why the show was so popular with audiences.
Talman's performance as Hamilton Burger was also notable for its realism. He avoided the temptation to play the character as a one-dimensional villain, and instead created a complex and nuanced character who was both ambitious and principled. This made the character more relatable to audiences, and it helped to make the show more enjoyable.
The connection between Talman's iconic role as Hamilton Burger and his overall career is significant. The role helped to establish Talman as a leading character actor, and it opened up a wide range of opportunities for him in both film and television. Talman's success in the role is a testament to his talent and versatility as an actor.
The practical significance of understanding the connection between Talman's iconic role and his career is that it demonstrates the importance of creating memorable and iconic characters. Characters that are well-developed and relatable can have a significant impact on an actor's career, and they can help to open up a wide range of opportunities.
6. Later career
William Talman's career continued to flourish after the end of the Perry Mason television series. He appeared in a number of successful films and television shows, including "The Fugitive" and "Batman." Talman's later career is notable for its diversity, and he played a wide range of roles, from villains to heroes to comic characters.
- Continued Success: Talman's success in Perry Mason did not lead to complacency. He continued to work hard and develop his craft, and he remained one of the most sought-after character actors in Hollywood.
- Range and Versatility: Talman's later career showcased his range and versatility as an actor. He played a wide variety of roles, from the villainous Dr. Richard Kimble in "The Fugitive" to the bumbling but lovable Detective Arnold Schwinn in "Batman." Talman's ability to play such a wide range of roles is a testament to his talent and skill as an actor.
- Iconic Roles: Talman created a number of iconic roles in his later career. His portrayal of Dr. Richard Kimble in "The Fugitive" is one of the most memorable and iconic characters in television history. Talman's performance is both menacing and sympathetic, and he creates a character that is both terrifying and pitiable.
William Talman's later career is a testament to his talent and versatility as an actor. He was able to play a wide range of roles, from villains to heroes to comic characters, and he always delivered memorable and iconic performances.
7. Death
The death of William Talman on August 30, 1968, was a significant event in his life and career. Talman was a talented actor who had appeared in a wide range of films and television shows, but his death at the age of 53 cut short his career and left a void in the entertainment industry.
Talman's cause of death was a heart attack. He had a history of heart problems, and he had suffered a heart attack several years prior to his death. Talman's death was a reminder of the importance of taking care of one's health, and it also highlighted the fragility of life.
Talman's death had a significant impact on his family and friends. He was a beloved husband and father, and his death was a great loss to them. Talman's death also had an impact on his fans, who were saddened to lose such a talented actor.
The death of William Talman is a reminder of the importance of cherishing life and living each day to the fullest. It is also a reminder of the importance of taking care of one's health and seeking medical attention when necessary.
8. Legacy
William Talman's legacy as one of the great character actors of his generation is closely tied to his performance as Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason television series. Talman's portrayal of the character was both memorable and iconic, and it helped to make the show one of the most popular of its time. Talman's performance was notable for its realism and complexity, and he avoided the temptation to play the character as a one-dimensional villain. Instead, he created a character who was both ambitious and principled, and who was both feared and respected by his adversaries.
Talman's performance as Hamilton Burger had a significant impact on his career. It helped to establish him as a leading character actor, and it opened up a wide range of opportunities for him in both film and television. Talman went on to appear in a number of successful films and television shows, including "The Fugitive" and "Batman." However, it is his performance as Hamilton Burger that he is best remembered for.
The practical significance of understanding the connection between Talman's legacy and his performance as Hamilton Burger is that it demonstrates the importance of creating memorable and iconic characters. Characters that are well-developed and relatable can have a significant impact on an actor's career, and they can help to open up a wide range of opportunities. Talman's performance as Hamilton Burger is a prime example of this, and it is a testament to his talent and skill as an actor.
FAQs about William Talman
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about William Talman, his life, and career.
Question 1: What was William Talman best known for?
William Talman was best known for his role as District Attorney Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason television series.
Question 2: When was William Talman born?
William Talman was born on February 4, 1915, in Detroit, Michigan.
Question 3: When did William Talman die?
William Talman died on August 30, 1968, at the age of 53.
Question 4: What was William Talman's cause of death?
William Talman died of a heart attack.
Question 5: What is William Talman's legacy?
William Talman is remembered as one of the great character actors of his generation. His performance as Hamilton Burger in Perry Mason helped to make the show one of the most popular of its time.
Question 6: What are some of William Talman's most notable roles?
In addition to his role as Hamilton Burger in Perry Mason, William Talman also appeared in a number of other films and television shows, including "The Glass Key" (1942), "The Maltese Falcon" (1941), "The Fugitive" (1963), and "Batman" (1966).
Summary of key takeaways or final thought: William Talman was a talented actor who appeared in a wide range of films and television shows. He is best known for his role as Hamilton Burger in Perry Mason, a role that helped to define his legacy as one of the great character actors of his generation.
Tips about William Talman
William Talman was a talented actor who appeared in a wide range of films and television shows. He is best known for his role as Hamilton Burger in Perry Mason, a role that helped to define his legacy as one of the great character actors of his generation. Here are a few tips that can be gleaned from Talman's life and career:
1. Pursue your passion: Talman was passionate about acting, and he pursued his dream despite facing challenges and setbacks. He never gave up on his dream, and he eventually achieved great success.
2. Be versatile: Talman was able to play a wide range of roles, from villains to heroes to comic characters. This versatility helped him to have a long and successful career.
3. Create memorable characters: Talman's characters were always memorable and iconic. He took the time to develop his characters and to make them relatable to audiences.
4. Take care of your health: Talman died of a heart attack at the age of 53. It is important to take care of your health and to seek medical attention when necessary.
5. Cherish life: Talman's death is a reminder to cherish life and to live each day to the fullest.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of achieving success in your own life and career.
Conclusion
William Talman was a talented actor who appeared in a wide range of films and television shows. He is best known for his role as Hamilton Burger in Perry Mason, a role that helped to define his legacy as one of the great character actors of his generation. Talman's life and career can teach us a number of valuable lessons, including the importance of pursuing our passions, being versatile, and creating memorable characters.
Talman's death is a reminder to cherish life and to live each day to the fullest. We should also remember his legacy as an actor who brought joy to millions of people around the world.
