Barbara Hale Cause Of Death: Uncovering The Final Chapter Of The Della Street Star

The definitive cause of death for beloved actress Barbara Hale, the iconic Della Street from the long-running television series Perry Mason, was complications from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Hale passed away peacefully at her home in Sherman Oaks, California, on January 26, 2017, at the age of 94.

As of December 2025, a deep dive into her final years reveals that the Emmy-winning star had been managing her health issues privately, a testament to the quiet dignity she brought to both her personal life and her most famous role. Her passing marked the end of an extraordinary career that spanned over five decades, leaving behind a profound legacy in classic American television and cinema.

Barbara Hale: A Complete Biography and Profile

Barbara Hale was a celebrated American actress best known for her role as the steadfast and loyal legal secretary Della Street, working alongside defense attorney Perry Mason (played by Raymond Burr). Her career was marked by a smooth transition from a successful film career in the 1940s and 1950s to television stardom, culminating in an enduring cultural impact that spanned generations.

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• Full Name: Barbara Hale
• Date of Birth: April 18, 1922
• Place of Birth: DeKalb, Illinois, U.S.
• Date of Death: January 26, 2017
• Age at Death: 94
• Cause of Death: Complications from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Spouse: Bill Williams (Hermann August Wilhelm Katt) (m. 1946; d. 1992)
• Children: 3 (including actor William Katt)
• Iconic Role: Della Street in Perry Mason (1957–1966) and 30 subsequent TV movies (1985–1995).
• Key Accolades: Primetime Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Dramatic Series (1959), Golden Boot Award (2001).
• Estimated Net Worth at Death: Approximately $3 million.

The Definitive Cause of Death: Complications from COPD

The official statement following Barbara Hale's passing confirmed that the primary factor in her death was a long-term battle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, commonly known as COPD. This respiratory illness is a progressive lung disease that makes breathing increasingly difficult and is often linked to a history of smoking or long-term exposure to lung irritants.

COPD is not a single, sudden event; rather, it is a condition that gradually diminishes lung function over time. In Hale's case, the complications associated with the disease ultimately led to her passing at her home in Sherman Oaks, California. Her son, actor William Katt, shared the news of her death on social media, noting that she was "a wonderful and real life force."

While the exact duration of her struggle was kept private, the nature of COPD suggests that the final years of her life involved careful management of her breathing and overall health. Her ability to maintain a relatively private life while dealing with a chronic illness speaks volumes about her resilience and determination.

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The clarity on the cause of death—complications from COPD—puts to rest any speculation regarding her passing, confirming a natural end to a long life, lived fully to the age of 94.

Beyond Della Street: A Career of Enduring Stardom

Long before she became synonymous with the character Della Street, Barbara Hale was a sought-after leading lady in Hollywood films. Her career began in the early 1940s when she signed a contract with RKO Pictures.

One of her first significant screen credits came in the 1943 musical comedy Higher and Higher, where she appeared alongside Frank Sinatra in one of his first major film roles. She went on to star in numerous films, including The Window (1949), which garnered critical acclaim, and Lorna Doone (1951).

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The Golden Age of Perry Mason

In 1957, Hale accepted the role that would define her career: Della Street, the highly competent and stylish legal secretary to Raymond Burr’s Perry Mason. The original CBS series ran for nine seasons, from 1957 to 1966, totaling 271 episodes. Hale's portrayal was crucial; she brought intelligence, warmth, and a subtle romantic tension to the dynamic, making Della Street more than just a supporting character.

Her work on the show earned her an Emmy Award in 1959 for Best Supporting Actress in a Dramatic Series, solidifying her place in television history. She received a second Emmy nomination in 1961.

The Successful TV Movie Revival

After the original series concluded, the public’s enduring affection for the characters led to a highly successful revival. In 1985, Hale and Raymond Burr reunited for the first of 30 made-for-TV movies, beginning with Perry Mason Returns. This revival was a massive success, proving the timeless appeal of the legal drama.

A heartwarming element of the revival was the inclusion of her son, William Katt, who played Paul Drake Jr., the son of the original private investigator, Paul Drake (played by William Hopper). Hale continued in the role of Della Street even after Raymond Burr's death in 1993, appearing in four subsequent movies with other actors stepping into the role of the defense attorney, a testament to her dedication to the franchise and the character.

Private Life and The Legacy of a Hollywood Matriarch

Barbara Hale’s life off-screen was as stable and enduring as her on-screen persona. She met her future husband, actor Bill Williams (born Hermann August Wilhelm Katt), in 1945 on the set of the film West of the Pecos.

They married in 1946 and remained together until Williams' death in 1992, a remarkably long and successful marriage by Hollywood standards. The couple raised three children: Jodi, Juanita, and William Katt. Her family life was her anchor, and she was known to put her children first, sometimes stepping away from major film opportunities to prioritize them.

The Raymond Burr Friendship

Her professional life was equally defined by a deep and genuine friendship with her co-star, Raymond Burr. Their on-screen chemistry as Perry Mason and Della Street was palpable, leading many fans to speculate about a romantic relationship between the characters. In reality, their bond was a close, platonic friendship that began when they met in 1943 at the RKO lot.

Burr maintained a strong relationship with Hale’s entire family, and their mutual respect was a key factor in the long-term success of the Perry Mason franchise. Burr once called Hale "a remarkably intuitive woman" and credited her with bringing a unique depth to the role.

Barbara Hale’s legacy is one of grace, professionalism, and enduring talent. Her portrayal of Della Street set the standard for the intelligent, capable working woman on television. While her life concluded due to complications from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, her memory is preserved through her extensive body of work, a testament to a career that brought stability and excellence to the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood. Her impact on the legal drama genre and her role as a beloved Hollywood matriarch continue to resonate with fans today.