William Hopper Cause of Death and Early Life
William Hopper was an American actor best known for playing Paul Drake in the television series Perry Mason. He died on March 6, 1970, at the age of 55. The reported cause of death was a heart attack, consistent with public records and contemporaneous news coverage. His death occurred in New York City, and his remains were handled according to standard arrangements at the time. For background on his career and public profile, see his biography on IMDb William Hopper IMDb page.
Public sources describe William Hopper as the son of actress Hedda Hopper and writer DeWolf Hopper. He worked in film and television from the 1930s through the 1960s, with Perry Mason as his most prominent role. The series aired on ABC from 1957 to 1966, and Hopper's character became widely recognized in American households. His death at 55 drew coverage in newspapers and trade outlets, which cited a heart attack as the immediate cause. These details are consistent with the public record available through entertainment and biographical databases.
Career Highlights and Financial Context
William Hopper appeared in more than 80 films before and during his television career. He worked with major studios including Warner Bros. and Paramount during the Golden Age of Hollywood. His role as Paul Drake, a private investigator, became his most enduring character and a staple of the procedural drama genre. The show's production company, Four Star Television, was a significant player in 1950s and 1960s television. Four Star Television operated as a production and distribution company during the era of live and filmed anthology series.
Hopper's earnings from Perry Mason and earlier film work placed him among the established character actors of his time. Television salaries for recurring roles in the 1960s varied widely, but successful series actors could command steady income across multiple seasons. The show's syndication later generated additional revenue for the rights holders and production entities involved. For context on television production companies and syndication models, see the overview on the Television Academy website Television Academy.
Legacy, Public Record, and Source References
William Hopper's death from a heart attack at age 55 is documented in multiple public sources, including obituaries and entertainment reference works. His career remains a reference point for discussions of classic television detective shows and mid-century American acting. Public records, including census data and studio archives, support the basic biographical details reported in mainstream sources. The Perry Mason series continues to air in reruns and digital platforms, maintaining visibility for Hopper's performance.
For researchers and viewers seeking verified information, the Library of Congress and the Paley Center for Media hold materials related to Perry Mason and its production history. The series is also cataloged in the Television Academy's archives and referenced in industry publications. Additional details on Hopper's filmography and career timeline can be found on the Turner Classic Movies database Turner Classic Movies and in the Television Academy's historical records Television Academy.