The Perry Mason Cast: Where Are The HBO Stars Now After The Series' Shocking Cancellation?
The gritty, noir-infused reimagining of Perry Mason on HBO captivated audiences for two seasons, offering a dark origin story for the legendary criminal defense lawyer. The series, which concluded in 2023, starred Matthew Rhys as the titular character, shifting the narrative from the polished courtroom drama of the original Raymond Burr classic to a detective-turned-lawyer saga set in Depression-era Los Angeles.
As of December 23, 2025, fans are still discussing the shocking news that the critically acclaimed show would not return for a third season, leaving the door closed on further adventures for Perry, Della Street, and Paul Drake. However, the talented ensemble cast has quickly moved on to a host of new and exciting projects. Here is a comprehensive look at what the main actors from the HBO series are doing now, and a brief nod to the cast of the classic 1950s program.
The HBO Reboot Cast: Post-Perry Mason (2020–2023) Career Updates
The strength of the HBO series lay in its phenomenal cast, which brought depth and nuance to the iconic characters created by Erle Stanley Gardner. Following the series’ conclusion, these actors have landed major roles across film and television, confirming their status as some of the industry’s most sought-after talent.
1. Matthew Rhys (Perry Mason)
Matthew Rhys, an Emmy winner known for his work on *The Americans*, successfully shed the image of the stoic, unflappable lawyer to portray a broken, cynical private investigator who reluctantly steps into the courtroom. His performance was central to the show’s success, earning him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
- Full Name: Matthew Rhys Evans
- Date of Birth: November 8, 1974
- Place of Birth: Cardiff, Wales, UK
- Role in Perry Mason: Perry Mason (Private Investigator turned Criminal Defense Lawyer)
- Recent & Upcoming Projects: Rhys is set to star in the new Netflix mystery thriller series, *The Beast in Me*, alongside Claire Danes. This high-profile project confirms his continued presence in prestige television following his acclaimed run as a "cracked" version of the famous lawyer.
- Key Roles Before PM: Philip Jennings in *The Americans* (Emmy Award winner), *A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood*, *The Post*.
2. Juliet Rylance (Della Street)
In the HBO reboot, Juliet Rylance’s Della Street was far more than a faithful secretary; she was Perry’s intellectual partner, a brilliant legal mind, and a vital force in establishing their law practice. Her modern, complex portrayal of the character—including an exploration of her personal life—was a fan favorite.
- Full Name: Juliet van Kampen Rylance
- Date of Birth: July 26, 1979
- Place of Birth: London, England, UK
- Role in Perry Mason: Della Street (Legal Secretary and Aspiring Lawyer)
- Recent & Upcoming Projects: Rylance continues her work in theatre, a domain where she has won awards, and is associated with a 2025 production of *Three Sisters* in New York. She is also known for her work in other high-profile series like *The Knick* and *McMafia*.
- Key Roles Before PM: Cornelia Showalter in *The Knick*, Rebecca Harper in *McMafia*.
3. Chris Chalk (Paul Drake)
Chris Chalk’s interpretation of Paul Drake was a significant departure from the original series, portraying him as a Black police officer in 1930s Los Angeles who quits the force due to systemic racism and partners with Perry Mason as his lead investigator. This storyline provided a powerful commentary on the era’s social issues.
- Full Name: Christopher Eugene Chalk
- Date of Birth: September 7, 1984
- Place of Birth: Asheville, North Carolina, USA
- Role in Perry Mason: Paul Drake (Police Officer turned Private Investigator)
- Recent & Upcoming Projects: Chalk secured a major role as the legendary author James Baldwin in Ryan Murphy’s highly anticipated series, *Feud: Capote’s Women*. This role is a testament to his dramatic range and his commitment to portraying historically significant figures.
- Key Roles Before PM: Lucius Fox in *Gotham*, Dick Hallorann in *The Knick*.
The Essential Supporting Players and Their New Roles
The core trio was supported by an incredible cast of character actors who anchored the period details and dramatic tension of the series. Their post-*Perry Mason* careers are equally robust.
4. Shea Whigham (Pete Strickland)
Shea Whigham played Pete Strickland, Perry Mason’s initial partner in his private investigation business. Strickland was the pragmatic, often morally flexible counterpart to Perry, providing much of the show's dark humor and investigative muscle in Season 1. Although his role was reduced in Season 2, Whigham remains a prolific actor.
- Full Name: Franklin Shea Whigham Jr.
- Date of Birth: January 5, 1969
- Place of Birth: Tallahassee, Florida, USA
- Role in Perry Mason: Pete Strickland (Private Investigator)
- Recent & Upcoming Projects: Whigham is known for his relentless work ethic in Hollywood. His upcoming filmography is packed, including roles in major blockbuster sequels like *Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning* (scheduled for 2025) and the highly anticipated *F1 The Movie* (2025).
- Key Roles Before PM: Elias "Eli" Thompson in *Boardwalk Empire*, Detective Burke in *True Detective*.
5. Other Key Entities and Actors
The HBO series leveraged the talents of many other entities and actors to build its rich, 1930s Los Angeles world. While the focus remains on the main cast, it’s worth noting the continued work of other key players:
- Tatiana Maslany (Sister Alice McKeegan): Known for her Emmy-winning work on *Orphan Black*, Maslany's character was a key figure in the first season's central mystery. She has since starred in the Disney+ series *She-Hulk: Attorney at Law*.
- John Lithgow (Elias Birchard "E.B." Jonathan): The veteran actor played Perry's mentor, a struggling attorney. Lithgow continues to be a major presence in film and television, most recently in projects like *Killers of the Flower Moon*.
- Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey (Executive Producers): The series was notably executive produced by Robert Downey Jr. and his wife, Susan Downey, through their Team Downey production company. Downey Jr. recently won an Oscar for his role in *Oppenheimer*, showcasing the high caliber of talent behind the scenes of *Perry Mason*.
A Look Back: The Enduring Legacy of the Original Perry Mason Cast
While the HBO reboot provided a modern, limited-series take, the original *Perry Mason* television series (1957–1966) remains the definitive version for many, cementing the characters' place in pop culture history. The legacy of the original actors is one of enduring fame and a complete transformation of the legal drama genre.
- Raymond Burr (Original Perry Mason): Burr is the actor most associated with the role, playing the hotshot criminal defense lawyer for nine seasons and later in 30 made-for-TV movies. He collected multiple Emmys for the portrayal. Burr passed away in 1993, but his dignified, sharp-witted interpretation is the benchmark for the character.
- Barbara Hale (Original Della Street): Hale played Della Street in both the original series and the TV movies, remaining the only other core cast member to appear in all subsequent revivals. She passed away in 2017, leaving behind a legacy as one of television's most iconic and loyal secretaries.
- William Hopper (Original Paul Drake): Hopper played the original Paul Drake, a suave and professional private investigator. He passed away in 1970, shortly after the original series ended.
The longevity of the original series and the critical success of the HBO reboot highlight the timeless appeal of the *Perry Mason* character. Though the HBO series concluded after a short run, the cast members have seamlessly transitioned to new, high-profile roles, ensuring their faces will continue to grace screens for years to come.
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