Barbara Hale compared joining a television series to having a baby

Here's why she said it, and why it sort of makes perfect sense.

CBS Television Distribution

Taking on a new job is quite a commitment, both physically and mentally. It can take you away from your friends and family and occupy a space in your mind that exists long after you clock out for the day.

This sentiment is especially true if your work is incredibly intensive and hands-on, like performance. While the fame and notoriety of television and movies can be tempting for some, it's important to remember that actors are subject to long working hours and require discipline and commitment that many of us would turn up our noses at.

Barbara Hale found fulfillment in both her personal and professional life. While she made a career for herself as an actor, she also had a beautiful family with her husband Bill Williams. Williams himself was an actor, and the couple had three children together.

In an interview with the Detroit Free Press, While it's difficult to picture anyone else in the role of Della Street of Perry Mason, Hale revealed that she wouldn't have even auditioned for the role if her children weren't older. "The main reason I felt I could take the Della Street part is that the children are old enough to spend most of the day in school."

While acting was important to Hale, her priority was being a good parent to her children. Moreover, she understood the commitment that a television series required.

"I waited quite a while before I became involved in such a time-consuming thing as a weekly TV series," she said. "You know, signing for a series is like having a baby. From the time you make the pilot to actual production, you are committed. You can't be involved in anything else because the series has first call."

Luckily, Hale was able to split her time quite well between her work and her family, making sure that while she was taking care of business on Perry Mason, she also had enough time for her children.

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7 Comments

MeFanFromSavan 1 month ago
She was gorgeous, as pretty and usually prettier than all the episodes actresses.
George58 1 month ago
Barbara Hale was perfect for the Della Street role. Both Barbara & Raymond Burr were great together. I noticed a blooper on this morning's episode, "The Case Of The Sunbather's Diary". It took part when the announcer on the radio said Miss Dowling was wanted for the murder of Frank Ballard when his name was George Ballard. Frank was Miss Dowling's Father's name. Guess they left the blooper in thinking no one would notice. I did. LOL!
Wiseguy70005 George58 1 month ago
First, it depends on whether it was noticed. Second, it depends on when it was noticed. If they had already moved to another set they might have thought it would be too expensive or time consuming to go back, re-light the set just to re-film one line.
Runeshaper 1 month ago
Hale was AWESOME as Della and it sounds like she was a GREAT mom as well (-:
Snickers 1 month ago
Don't think signing on to a tv show is quite as painful as having a baby.
Bfry1167 1 month ago
William Katt (Carrie Greatest American Hero) is Her Son
teire 1 month ago
Always nice to read a Barbara/Della story. She seems so lovely.
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