Hamilton Burger continued to serve as the district attorney opposing Perry Mason throughout the series, often finding himself on the losing side of cases.
In the long-running television series “Perry Mason,” which aired from 1957 to 1966, Hamilton Burger was the Los Angeles District Attorney who frequently prosecuted cases against defendants represented by the titular defense attorney, Perry Mason. Portrayed by actor William Talman, Burger became known for his professional demeanor and his commitment to seeking justice, even though he was almost always bested by Mason in the courtroom.
Despite his many losses, Burger was never written out of the series or replaced. Instead, he remained a consistent character, embodying the well-intentioned, if not always successful, efforts of the prosecution. His character was a foil to Mason, highlighting Mason’s exceptional skill as a defense attorney. The dynamic between Burger and Mason was a key element of the show, with Burger’s by-the-book approach to law contrasting with Mason’s more unorthodox methods.
William Talman’s portrayal of Hamilton Burger ended with the conclusion of the original series. However, the character of Hamilton Burger has been revisited in subsequent revivals and adaptations of “Perry Mason.” In these, Burger continues to be depicted as a dedicated district attorney, upholding the law and facing off against Mason in the courtroom.