Many fans of classic Hollywood remember Barbara Hale for her role as Della Street in Perry Mason. But beyond her iconic performances, many are curious about her financial success.
How much did she earn from her decades-long career in Hollywood? What were her main sources of wealth? Did she face any financial difficulties? Let’s take a deep dive into Barbara Hale net worth, salary, and wealth management.
Barbara Hale Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Barbara Hale |
| Popular Name | Barbara Hale |
| Birth Date | April 18, 1922 |
| Age (as of 02/27/2025) | Passed away at 94 (Died: January 26, 2017 ) |
| Birthplace | DeKalb, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Scottish and Irish ancestry |
| Education | Rockford High School, School of the Art Institute of Chicago |
| Marital Status | Widowed (Married to Bill Williams) |
| Spouse | Bill Williams (m. 1946–1992) |
| Children | 3 (William Katt, Juanita Katt, Jody Katt) |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | One sister, Juanita |
| Parents | Wilma Colvin, Luther Ezra Hale |
| Height | 1.65 meters |
| Net Worth | $3 million (at time of death) |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, television, endorsements |
What Is the Net Worth of Barbara Hale in 2025?
At the time of her passing in 2017, Barbara Hale had an estimated net worth of $3 million. Though this figure remains unchanged in 2025, her contributions to television continue to generate interest.
Compared to her co-star Raymond Burr, whose net worth was significantly higher, Hale’s financial standing was still impressive. She primarily earned from her acting career, endorsements, and brand partnerships.
Her role in Perry Mason brought her widespread fame, making her a household name. But unlike today’s TV stars, actors in her era didn’t receive massive salaries or residuals.
Nevertheless, her financial legacy remains strong, with her family, including William Katt, benefiting from her career achievements.
Related Figures & Companies
- Raymond Burr
- William Katt
- Bill Williams
- Columbia Pictures
- RKO Radio Pictures
- Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Golden Boot Awards
- Amana Corporation
- Rockford High School
- Emmy Awards
Looking for more financial insights into famous personalities? Check out this list of the most financially successful stars.
Barbara Hale Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Did She Earn From Her Acting Career?
Barbara Hale earned most of her wealth through acting. She appeared in over 50 films and starred in 271 episodes of Perry Mason. This was her most financially rewarding role.
Although her exact salary for Perry Mason isn’t publicly disclosed, co-star Raymond Burr reportedly earned $2,000 per episode in the early seasons, increasing later. Hale likely had a lower but respectable salary.
From 1985 to 1995, she reprised her role in 30 Perry Mason TV movies, providing another steady income stream.
What Were Her Main Sources of Income?
Barbara Hale’s financial portfolio included:
- Film and TV Salary – Earnings from Perry Mason and movies like Airport (1970).
- Modeling Career – Before acting, she worked as a commercial model.
- Brand Endorsements – She became the spokesperson for Amana Radarange microwaves, a lucrative deal.
- Residuals & Re-runs – While early TV actors didn’t get residuals, later deals may have earned her royalties.
Did She Face Any Financial Struggles?
Unlike some Hollywood stars, Barbara Hale remained financially stable throughout her career. However, there were challenges:
- The end of Perry Mason in 1966 meant a sudden loss of income.
- Transitioning from film to TV affected her salary structure.
- The industry changed over time, with new actors earning much higher salaries.
What Assets and Investments Did She Have?
Barbara Hale wasn’t widely known for investing in businesses, but her assets likely included:
- Real Estate Holdings – As a long-time Hollywood resident, she likely owned valuable property.
- Estate & Wealth Distribution – After her death, her wealth was passed down to William Katt and her other children.
- Branding & Licensing – She earned from continued reruns and media appearances.
What Legacy Did She Leave Behind Financially?
Barbara Hale left a lasting financial and cultural impact:
- Her role as Della Street remains iconic, keeping her name alive in entertainment history.
- Her Hollywood Walk of Fame star (1628 Vine Street) continues to honor her contributions.
- Her son, William Katt, continued in Hollywood, benefiting from her industry connections.
- The reruns of Perry Mason still generate revenue, ensuring she remains relevant.
Conclusion
Barbara Hale was more than just a talented actress—she was a financially successful woman in Hollywood’s golden era. Her earnings from film, television, and endorsements kept her financially stable. Even years after her passing, her legacy remains strong.
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