Paul Drake, Private Eye – Where do you start with the hardest working man on the show. Let’s start with man you played him, Decorated USN WW II Vet ( BRONZE MEDAL ), star of film and TV, mysterious good looking man. William Hopper, Born William DeWolf Hopper Jr in New York City NY on 1/26/1915, Died 3/6/1970 in Sherman Oaks Ca. 55 years old due to a stroke, way too young. 
Wrote Brian Kelleher and Diana Merrill in their chronicle of the television series:
As Paul Drake, William Hopper was called on to be the most versatile of the principals in the Perry Mason cast. He was not only the careful investigator, the duke-it-out tough guy, the ladies’ man, and the hipster, but also the fall guy, the strikeout artist, the “eating machine” and “the big kid.” Hopper’s Drake alone provided the comic relief for the show. And, despite being a rather late bloomer to the acting field, he played all the parts surprisingly well and believably. His appearances made fair shows good, and good shows better. 
William started early, real early. Film – work includes 1916 Sunshine Dad 1 year old baby and got a credit. 1936 The King Steps Out Soldier, 1937 Public Wedding Tony Burke, 1937 Over the Goal Ken Thomas, 1939 Stagecoach Calvary Soldier, 1940 Brother Orchid Reporter, 1941 The Maltese Falcon Reporter, 1941 They Died With Their Boots On Lt. Frazier, 1955 Conquest of Space Dr. George Fenton, 1955 Rebel Without A Cause Judy’s Father, 1957 Deadly Mantis Dr. Nedrick ( Ned ) Jackson, 1957 20 Million Miles to Earth Col. Bob Calder, 1970 Myra Breckinridge Judge Fredrick Cannon, TV 1956 Gunsmoke Unmarked Grave Tasker Sloane, The Millionaire Capt. Jonathan Carroll episode titled Capt. Jonathan Carroll. This was just a small sample of his work, he was in a shit ton of movies. The man worked with John Wayne, Natalie Wood, James Dean holy shit and more. His mom was the famous Gossip Columnist with over 30 million readers Hedda Hopper. Married 2 times 1 daughter Joan. Heavy smoker like his friend and co- star William Tallman, which cost both of them their early deaths. Not only did William smoke but he liked to tilt a glass or 2. Drinking heavily after the war did not help matters either. See William was a new part of the USN, Underwater Demolition Team. Blowing shit up underwater what the fuck. You know these WW II cats were a way different breed, way different. They did not have balls, they did but they were made of steel. I’ve gained a lot of respect for these actors and athletes from this era, dropping everything a headed off to war, wow. Williams hair was pure white by the time he left the USN due to the stress of the job at hand. 
His quick wit, his cunning ability, his way with the ladies, his hard nose influence. Add this up to the Granddaddy of all the P.I.’s to follow, Paul Drake Private Investigator. Next up on the Perry Mason Story Part VII, The man himself, Mr Raymond Burr, better known as the great Perry Mason. Check out the 3rd Floor Podcast on Spotify. Till next time remember too BOWL UP ,BONG UP & Then BEAM UP The 3rd Floor Podcast…. 
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