The classic character created by author Erle Stanley Gardner is back in the spotlight in the newest HBO miniseries, Perry Mason. Actor Matthew Rhys stars as the lead for the show set prior to the events of Garder's detective novels. Created by Rolin Jones and Ron Fitzgerald, Perry Mason features a stellar cast portraying a mix of classic and brand new characters.
The character of Perry Mason was created in 1933 when he first appeared in the novel, The Case of the Velvet Claws. The lawyer then became the focus of over 80 books and short stories as well as a popular radio series, eventually being adapted for TV with CBS' Perry Mason, starring Raymond Burr. The show ran from 1957 to 1966 before a second show aired in 1973 and 1974. The figure was also featured in 30 TV films, with Burr reprising his CBS role for the majority of them.
Rather than reboot the character as a defense lawyer, HBO decided to share a look into Perry's life prior to the events of Gardner's work. And so, Perry Mason serves as a prequel by unearthing his origin story as a private investigator. Rhys works alongside a seasoned group of actors in what's considered one of 2020's most anticipated series. Here's a full cast and character guide for Perry Mason on HBO.
Matthew Rhys Stars As Perry Mason
Matthew Rhys portrays the titular character in the prequel series set in 1932. At this point, Perry isn't a criminal defense lawyer like the previous works depicting the character. HBO's version of Perry is a scrappy private investigator, trying to make ends meet in the midst of the Great Depression. Perry, an alcoholic WWI vet, gets the opportunity at a high profile case involving the kidnapping and death of a one-year-old boy, Charlie Dodson. Before joining Perry Mason, Rhys starred in The Americans and Brothers & Sisters as well as films like The Edge of Love, The Post, and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.
Perry Mason's Other Returning Characters
Juliet Rylance as Della Street: The enigmatic paralegal employed by the attorney with connections to Perry and the Mason family. In Gardner's series, Della was Perry's secretary. Rylance previously worked on The Knick, American Gothic, and McMafia in addition to the films, Sinister and A Dog's Purpose.
Chris Chalk as Paul Drake: A black police officer in Los Angeles who faces rampant racism during his investigations. In the original series, Paul was a detective and Perry's sidekick. Chalk is known for his roles in The Newsroom, Gotham, and When They See Us. He also appeared in films like 12 Years A Slave, Detroit, and The Red Sea Diving Resort.
HBO's Perry Mason's New Characters
John Lithgow as Elias Birchard "E.B." Jonathan: The personal attorney who hires Perry for the Dodson case. Lithgow has dozens upon dozens of acting credits but most recently appeared in The Crown, Bombshell, Pet Sematary, and Late Night.
Shea Whigham as Pete Strickland: An associate of Perry who assists in his investigations. Whigham is best known for Boardwalk Empire, True Detective, Fargo, and movies like Fast & Furious, Kong: Skull Island, and Joker.
Tatiana Maslany as Sister Alice: The leader of the Radiant Assembly of God, a religious group with a connection to the Dodson family. Maslany is recognized for her work in the critically acclaimed series, Orphan Black.
Veronica Falcón as Lupe: The pilot at the airport adjacent to Perry's property and a love interest of his. Falcón's most recent work includes Perpetual Grace, LTD and Queen of the South.
Nate Corddry as Matthew Dodson: The father of Charlie who owns a grocery store. Corddry's past roles include Harry's Law, Mom, and The Pacific.
Gayle Rankin as Emily Dodson: Matthew's wife and the mother of Charlie. Rankin's most notable roles came in GLOW, Her Smell, and The Greatest Showman.
Lili Taylor as Birdy McKeegan: Sister Alice's mother and advisor. The actress notably appeared in Six Feet Under, Hemlock Grove, and Almost Human in addition to movies like Mystic Pizza, Say Anything..., The Haunting, and The Conjuring.
Stephen Root as Maynard Barnes: The dangerous District Attorney who doesn't shy away from intimidation tactics. Root recently appeared in The Man in the High Castle, Veep, Barry, and movies such as Bombshell, Life of the Party, and Get Out.
Jefferson Mays as Virgil: A nervous attendant as the city morgue who gives Perry access to dead bodies. Mays previously worked on Westworld, I Am the Night, The Americans, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, and various theatre work.