William Hopper stood 6 feet 3 inches tall, a towering measurement that made him one of the more imposing character actors in mid-century television. Best remembered as private investigator Paul Drake on the long-running CBS legal drama Perry Mason, his height physically anchored scenes alongside co-star Raymond Burr.
Long before he spent a decade tracking down clues for Perry Mason, Hopper built an extensive resume in studio-era Hollywood. Standing over six feet tall allowed him to transition easily from uncredited background player in 1930s pictures to a reliable supporting presence in major 1950s dramas and science fiction films.
Early Life and Hollywood Lineage
Born William DeWolf Hopper Jr. in New York City on January 26, 1915, he grew up surrounded by the entertainment industry. His father was the renowned theatrical producer and comic actor DeWolf Hopper, while his mother was the powerful and feared Hollywood gossip columnist Hedda Hopper.
Growing up with famous parents didn't grant him an easy path to stardom. Hopper initially resisted acting, though his height and classic build naturally drew casting directors once he entered the studio system. During the late 1930s, he appeared in dozens of films under various names, including Wolfe Hopper and DeWolf Hopper, logging bit parts in major Warner Bros. pictures without receiving official billing.
World War II Service and Career Pause
When the United States entered World War II, Hopper stepped away from Hollywood entirely. He enlisted in the United States Navy and eventually served as a frogman with Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) 10 in the South Pacific.
His wartime service earned him a decoration for valor, but returning to civilian life proved difficult. When he came back to California, the film industry offered him zero opportunities. Refusing to ask his mother Hedda for industry connections, he spent eight years selling automobiles. Director William Wellman eventually convinced him to return to acting in the early 1950s.
Standing Out on Perry Mason
Hopper's big-screen comeback included notable roles in Rebel Without a Cause (1955) and 20 Million Miles to Earth (1957). However, his definitive cultural footprint came in 1957 when he landed the role of Paul Drake on Perry Mason.
At 6'3", Hopper towered over most guest stars and maintained a distinct physical contrast with series lead Raymond Burr. While Burr played the brilliant courtroom strategist Perry Mason with a heavy, commanding frame, Hopper brought a relaxed, athletic physical presence to the private investigator role. Their on-screen chemistry helped define the procedural format for generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall was William Hopper compared to Raymond Burr?
William Hopper was roughly two to three inches taller than Raymond Burr. While Burr is frequently cited around 6 feet tall, Hopper stood at a confirmed 6 feet 3 inches, a height difference clearly visible whenever the two characters stood side by side in courtroom or office scenes.
Did William Hopper's parents affect his acting career?
Yes, but mostly through his mother Hedda Hopper's strict independence policy. Hedda refused to use her immense power as a Hollywood gossip columnist to help his career, leaving him to carve out his own path through decades of uncredited work and military service.
What were William Hopper's most famous movie roles before Perry Mason?
Aside from television, Hopper played Judy's emotionally distant father in Rebel Without a Cause (1955) starring James Dean, and appeared in classic 1950s genre films like The Bad Seed (1956) and The Deadly Mantis (1957).
When did William Hopper pass away?
Hopper passed away on March 6, 1970, at the age of 55, following a stroke and subsequent health complications in Palm Springs, California. Learn more about classic television history through the Television Academy or explore actor archives via IMDb.
