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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | FEBRUARY 2026 47 This month our selection for the Famous LGBT Americans series is Raymond Burr, a Canadian/ American actor of films and television. He was famously known for his roles in Perry Mason and Ironside. Raymond Burr was born in 1917 in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada. His family moved to California, and he graduated from Berkeley High School. He subsequently developed an interest in acting. Though living in Northern California, he would drive to the Pasadena Playhouse for acting lessons. Burr later taught at Pasadena Playhouse where in 1943 he met Isabella Ward who studied there. They met again in 1947 when she worked with a theater company. They married in 1948, separated within months, and divorced in 1952. In 1958, Burr met Robert Benevides, an actor on Perry Mason. Burr and Benevides fell in love and were together over 35 years. They attempted to be discreet in their relationship, which was known by only their closest friends. Benevides had served in Japan in the U.S. Army as a combat engineer during the Korean War. He subsequently received a BA in theater from UC Berkeley in 1955 and had been in one science-fiction movie in 1957 before joining Perry Mason. Burr was a person with other strong commitments. For parts of 17 years, he visited U.S. troops in war zones in Korea and Vietnam. He also sponsored 27 children through the Christian Children's Fund in Korea, Vietnam, and Italy. Burr publicly supported the rights of the physically challenged. He was also a strong financial supporter of Jewish causes. Burr received honorary degrees from the McGeorge School of Law, the University of British Columbia, the University of Colorado, and the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. On Sept. 12, 1993, Burr died of metastatic cancer at the age of 76, with Benevides at his side. He is buried in the Burr family plot in New Westminster. In his will, Burr left his entire estate to Benevides. In February 1994, two of Burr's relatives contested the will, claiming that Benevides manipulated Burr into leaving all of his possessions to him. Eight months later, their suit was rejected. For more information and for the sources for this article, please go to the Rainbow Group's Facebook page or request a copy via our email (rainbowgroup@myyahoo.com). The locations and times of Rainbow Group events are available via our Facebook page or email. ~ Dan Hazeltine and Frank Galvan Rainbow Group The Taste d'Vine Wine Club is always looking for ideas for our monthly meetings. I ask every month for ideas for our meetings. We finally had a couple of members come forward with an idea. The theme for the evening is, "What wine would be offered at their home?" So, this month Penny Key and Steve Rutledge will take us inside their home (figuratively) to sample the wines they have. It promises to be an eye-opening experience. The meeting is on Thursday, Feb. 19, doors open at 5:15 pm. Please bring two glasses, a bottle of wine to enjoy between pours, and something to share with your tablemates. Important reminder — Annual dues are $30. A wine glass is included with membership. Monthly dues are $10. If you have any ideas for future wines or topics, please call or email me. ~ Tom DePaola, tomdepaola@ roadrunner.com, (714) 404-1956 Taste d'Vine Raymond Burr Photo by NBC TV

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