Barbara Hale Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Barbara Hale is an Emmy-winning American actress best known for her role as Della Street on the iconic television legal drama Perry Mason.

Barbara Hale’s life story spans Hollywood’s Golden Age to enduring television fame. A grounded Midwestern talent who became one of TV’s most recognizable faces, her career, family life, and legacy continue to be celebrated by fans and industry observers alike.

Introduction

Barbara Hale, born on April 18, 1922, in DeKalb, Illinois, was an American actress whose enduring performance as legal secretary Della Street on Perry Mason made her a household name and won her a Primetime Emmy Award. Known for her grace, professionalism, and work ethic, she built a career that spanned film and television, earning an estimated net worth of $3 million at the time of her passing. Hale’s personal life was anchored by a long marriage to actor Bill Williams, and she was a devoted mother to their three children.

Quick Facts (At a Glance)

A Small-Town Start with a Big Hollywood Impact

Barbara Hale’s journey into show business wasn’t preordained. Growing up in DeKalb and later Rockford, Illinois, she planned to be a commercial artist and attended the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. Modeling to support her education opened the door to screen tests and eventually a contract with RKO Radio Pictures, launching her into film in the early 1940s.

Her early film roles included appearances alongside major stars of the era, but it was television that brought her lasting recognition. In 1957, she was cast as Della Street, the efficient and intelligent legal secretary to Raymond Burr’s Perry Mason — a role she would embody for nine seasons and reprise in numerous TV movies. 

Defining moments in Barbara Hale’s journey include:

• Signing with RKO Radio Pictures after modeling in Chicago. 

• Her breakthrough film work in the 1940s and ’50s. 

• Iconic television role on Perry Mason. 

• Winning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. 

The Core Pillars of Barbara Hale’s Wealth

Barbara Hale’s net worth was primarily rooted in her long and steady acting career:

• Television Earnings: Her role on Perry Mason provided sustained work across seasons and later television films.

• Film Appearances: Early screen roles and supporting film work added depth to her career portfolio.

• Commercial and Spokesperson Work: Hale was also known as a spokesperson, notably for household appliances — a common revenue stream for actors of her era.

While detailed breakdowns from outlets like Forbes or Bloomberg aren’t available for Hale, her $3 million net worth estimate reflects her decades of steady work in entertainment.

Barbara Hale’s Relationships & Family Life

Barbara Hale met actor Bill Williams during a film production in 1945 and they married on June 22, 1946. Their partnership lasted until Williams’ death in 1992, and was notable for its longevity in an industry known for brief unions. Together they had three children: two daughters, Jodi and Juanita, and a son, actor William Katt — who would go on to his own screen career.

Key insights into Barbara Hale’s relationships and personal life:

• Long marriage to fellow actor Bill Williams.

• Mother of three children, including actor William Katt.

• Known for her grounded and family-oriented lifestyle in Hollywood circles.

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond her work on screen, Barbara Hale enjoyed a life that reflected her values of family and professionalism. Known for her modest and warm persona, she avoided the tabloid spotlight and focused on long-term career and family stability.

Beyond career success, Barbara Hale led a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Active engagement with family and support of her children’s careers.

• Philanthropic and personal interests away from Hollywood glitz.

• A legacy as a respected and admired performer in classic television.

Specific public details on homes, cars, or luxury assets are not widely documented, reflecting her era and personal privacy.

Barbara Hale’s Legacy & Influence

Barbara Hale’s portrayal of Della Street has become part of television history — a strong, competent professional woman during a formative time for TV narratives about working women. Her work earned her a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and remains synonymous with the Perry Mason brand.

Her influence extends beyond the screen: Hale’s commitment to craft, longevity in her marriage, and dedication to family model a balanced life in an industry often at odds with both.

Conclusion

From her humble beginnings in Illinois to her rise as an Emmy-winning actress, Barbara Hale’s story is one of sustained excellence, professional integrity, and meaningful personal relationships. Her Barbara Hale net worth, birthdate of April 18, 1922, and celebrated Barbara Hale birthday remain key points of interest for fans and cultural historians alike. Her role as Della Street not only defined her career but also left a legacy of strength and grace that resonates long after her passing.