In 1961, the Birmingham, Alabama Post-Herald published an article titled "Raymond Burr Picks His Shelter Mates," seemingly arbitrarily. They could've asked Burr about anything, and yet they chose to ask him how he'd populate his fallout hideout if he had one.

Burr's response was as witty as fans would expect, taking a decidedly diplomatic approach.

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Later in his career, Raymond Burr vowed he'd never act in another weekly television series

"For the women," said Burr, "I'd choose the Empress of Japan, Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, and Marian Anderson, the singer. You'll just have to be satisfied with that answer and leave the reason to me."

Of course, it doesn't take a political scientist to understand why Burr would surround himself with the Empress and Mrs. Roosevelt, As for Marian Anderson, Burr clearly understood her importance, both as a vocalist and a civil rights figure.

For the men he'd allow in his shelter, Burr listed Nikita Khrushchev, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Abdul Bashir. This convergence of global influence would absolve his hideout from being targeted by any nation.

"And, if I really had to take to a fallout shelter, I'd try to take a thick volume of the stories of the world's great religions with me."

While the Post-Herald's line of questioning might lead readers to assume Burr was some doomsday prepper, the actor hadn't actually given much thought to the possibility before the interview.

"About that fallout shelter," said Burr, "I haven't had one built for myself yet. I hope that the need for one never comes along.

"I've made no preparations because I still hope people will awaken to the point we can have peace without losing our integrity."

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