The Life and Career of Barry Sullivan: Actor, Perry Mason Star, and More

Table of Contents

The Early Life of Barry Sullivan

Barry Sullivan was born in New York City in 1912. He grew up in a family of six children and attended college at the New York School of Fine and Applied Arts. After college, he worked in advertising before deciding to pursue acting full-time. He made his Broadway debut in 1936 in the play “I Want a Policeman.”

Sullivan’s early film roles included “The Gangster” (1947) and “The Great Gatsby” (1949). He quickly became known for his suave demeanor and commanding presence on screen. In the 1950s, he appeared in several film noirs, including “The Bad and the Beautiful” (1952) and “Forty Guns” (1957).

Barry Sullivan on Perry Mason

One of Sullivan’s most memorable roles was as prosecutor Hamilton Burger on the popular TV series “Perry Mason.” He appeared in 215 episodes of the show from 1957 to 1966. Sullivan’s portrayal of Burger, who was always trying to convict Mason’s clients, made him a fan favorite.

Despite his success on “Perry Mason,” Sullivan continued to work in film and television throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He appeared in the films “The Great White Hope” (1970) and “Oh, God!” (1977) as well as TV shows like “The Love Boat” and “Fantasy Island.”

Barry Sullivan’s Personal Life

Sullivan was married twice and had two children. His daughter, Patsy Sullivan Webb, followed in his footsteps and became an actress. Sullivan was known for his love of golf and was a member of the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. He was also a supporter of the Republican Party and campaigned for Richard Nixon in the 1960s and 1970s.

Sullivan passed away in 1994 at the age of 81. He left behind a legacy as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors, equally at home in film, television, and on stage.

Barry Sullivan’s Filmography

Sullivan appeared in over 100 films throughout his career. Some of his most notable roles include:

“The Gangster” (1947)
“The Great Gatsby” (1949)
“The Bad and the Beautiful” (1952)
“Forty Guns” (1957)
“The Great White Hope” (1970)
“Oh, God!” (1977)

How Tall Was Barry Sullivan?

Barry Sullivan was known for his tall stature and commanding presence on screen. He stood at 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall.

Conclusion

Barry Sullivan was a talented actor who made a name for himself in Hollywood with his suave demeanor and commanding presence on screen. From his early roles in film noirs to his iconic portrayal of Hamilton Burger on “Perry Mason,” Sullivan left a lasting impression on audiences. His legacy as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors continues to be celebrated today.

FAQ

Who is Barry Sullivan?

Barry Sullivan was an American actor who was born on August 29, 1912, in New York City. He appeared in over 100 films and television shows during his career, which spanned from the 1930s to the 1990s.

What are some of Barry Sullivan’s most famous roles?

Sullivan is perhaps best known for his role as defense attorney Ken Kramer in the television series “The Tall Man” and as prosecutor D.A. Michael Reston in the television series “The Man Who Never Was.” He also played the lead role in the film “The Bad and the Beautiful” and appeared in the television series “Perry Mason.”

What was Barry Sullivan’s career like?

Sullivan’s career began in the 1930s and he appeared in a number of films throughout the 1940s and 1950s. He also worked in television, appearing in a number of popular shows such as “The Twilight Zone” and “The Outer Limits.” Sullivan continued to act in films and television shows throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, and his final role was in the film “The First Power” in 1990.

What was Barry Sullivan’s personal life like?

Sullivan was married twice and had three children. He was known for his love of sports, particularly golf and tennis, and was an active participant in both throughout his life. He also served in the United States Army during World War II.

What was Barry Sullivan’s legacy?

Sullivan is remembered as a talented actor who appeared in a wide range of films and television shows throughout his career. He was known for his ability to portray complex characters and his work helped to shape the landscape of American film and television.