Raymond Burr Quotes

Powerful Raymond Burr for Daily Growth

About Raymond Burr

Raymond Burr (May 21, 1917 – June 12, 1993) was a Canadian-American actor renowned for his commanding presence on screen, particularly in the television series "Perry Mason" and "Ironside." Born in New Westminster, British Columbia, Burr moved to the United States at age seven. His family settled in Los Angeles, California, where he would later launch his acting career. Inspired by Charlie Chaplin and Greta Garbo, Burr started his acting journey in local community theater. His breakthrough role came with "Perry Mason," a CBS television series based on Erle Stanley Gardner's detective novels, which aired from 1957 to 1966. Burr played the titular character, Perry Mason, a brilliant defense attorney who used his intellect and tenacity to solve complex crimes. The role earned him four Emmy Award nominations and solidified his status as a television icon. Post "Perry Mason," Burr took on another challenging role in "Ironside" (1967-1975), portraying Robert T. Ironside, a detective who becomes wheelchair-bound after being shot. Despite the physical constraints of the character, Burr delivered an emotionally powerful performance that garnered critical acclaim. Throughout his career, Burr also appeared in numerous films, including Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window" (1954) and "The Spiral Staircase" (1946). His deep, resonant voice became as iconic as his acting, leading to voice-over work in various projects. Off-screen, Burr was known for his philanthropy, particularly his support of animal welfare organizations. He passed away from liver cancer in 1993, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of television and film. His impact continues to be felt through the characters he brought to life and the inspirational stories they told.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I don't mind a little tension in the air, it makes me feel alive."

Raymond Burr's quote suggests that he values moments of intensity or challenge, as they create a sense of vitality or aliveness. In other words, he finds enjoyment in experiences where he feels engaged, stimulated, or on edge, rather than always seeking tranquility or comfort. This perspective encourages embracing dynamic situations, as they can be invigorating and contribute to an enriched life experience.


"You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find you get what you need."

This quote by Raymond Burr emphasizes that life doesn't always offer us exactly what we desire, but it suggests a mindset of persistence and flexibility. In striving for our wants, we may unexpectedly discover and fulfill our needs – sometimes even more valuable than the original desire. It underscores the importance of being adaptable and open to the possibilities life presents us as we navigate through its challenges and opportunities.


"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

This quote by Raymond Burr signifies that indifference or inaction on the part of virtuous individuals can enable evil to prevail. It's a call to action, encouraging people with good intentions to take an active role in opposing wrongdoing and promoting what is right, thus preventing the rise and success of negative forces.


"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing."

This quote by Raymond Burr emphasizes that age shouldn't limit our enthusiasm for life or the activities we enjoy. It suggests that a lack of playfulness, curiosity, and continuous learning may contribute to aging more than physical age itself. In other words, maintaining an active, playful mind and spirit can help keep us young at heart, even as our bodies grow older.


"It's not the years, honey, it's the mileage."

This quote suggests that a person's age (years) is less significant than their life experiences or accomplishments (mileage). It implies that one can 'travel' through life at varying speeds based on personal events, challenges, and achievements, hence the use of "mileage" as a metaphor for the richness and fullness of one's life.


I don't overeat. I only eat one meal a day... but my body has been one of those that has almost perfect assimilation, so everything I eat is assimilated, not lost.

- Raymond Burr

Perfect, Been, Almost, Assimilated

I grew up near the sea in British Columbia and San Francisco, and lived in Malibu and Fiji for years. I get uncomfortable being too far inland.

- Raymond Burr

British, Francisco, San, British Columbia

I don't have much of an ego, but I have a great deal of confidence!

- Raymond Burr

Confidence, Ego, Deal, Great Deal

I once had a long relationship with a lady, and wherever I went in the world, if I saw something she would look great in, a gown or gloves or a ring, I always knew what color she liked most. I knew her size, what material she appreciated most, and I spent the whole time buying gifts for her. And I loved her very much.

- Raymond Burr

Color, Ring, Very, Gloves

Growing up during the Depression, I worked for the Forest Service and CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps). I tend to work very, very hard. I wouldn't change that for anything.

- Raymond Burr

Work, Forest, Very, Corps

I only hope that I can regain my own identity once I decide that 'Perry Mason' and myself have come to the parting of the road. 'Perry Mason' has become a career for me... all I know is that I work, eat and sleep 'Perry Mason.'

- Raymond Burr

Career, Own, Decide, Perry

When we started 'Perry Mason,' we thought it might go a year.

- Raymond Burr

Thought, Year, Mason, Perry

People here always said to me, 'Why would you leave civilization to go to a place like Fiji?' Fiji is a far more civilized place than California or New York City.

- Raymond Burr

New, Here, Always, Fiji

I do not agree with Thomas Wolfe... about anything. You can go home again as long as you don't expect home to be what it was when you left it. Or you don't expect yourself to be what you were when you left home.

- Raymond Burr

Again, Go Home, About, Thomas

I'm not very actorish. I don't play actor 24 hours a day. When the job is done, I go on to be myself, whoever that is.

- Raymond Burr

Play, Hours, Very, 24 Hours

I am an unmarried man, as opposed to a single man. A bachelor, according to the dictionary, is a man who has never been married. An unmarried man is not married at the moment. Many of these terms have fallen into disuse.

- Raymond Burr

Bachelor, Been, Opposed, Unmarried

I love wines, except when I'm dieting.

- Raymond Burr

Love, I Love, Except, Wines

Over a period of time, if you have a successful show, then you have a devoted audience. I feel you owe something to them. That goes for everybody - writers, camera operators, actors, studio executives, etc. Sadly, I've realized it's a responsibility that very few people live up to.

- Raymond Burr

Everybody, Studio, Very, Etc

When you're a little fat boy in any kind of school, you're just persecuted something awful.

- Raymond Burr

School, Fat, Kind, Persecuted

Seriously - quite seriously - I firmly believe that marriage is to be enjoyed and shared.

- Raymond Burr

Marriage, Firmly, Shared, Enjoyed

I am a better cook than I am an actor. If I have any ego, it's about cooking. I'm one of the best cooks... and I cook in any language.

- Raymond Burr

Best, Cook, About, Cooks

My greatest satisfaction in acting on television is to have the opportunity to communicate with the world.

- Raymond Burr

World, Communicate, Satisfaction

You know the thing that interests me about 'Unsolved Mysteries?' It's because there are people out there, people who know something, who may have the one final clue.

- Raymond Burr

Mysteries, May, About, Clue

Try and live your life the way you wish other people would live theirs.

- Raymond Burr

Try, Other, Would, Wish

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