Raymond William Stacey Burr ( May 21 1917 -- September 12 , 1993 ) was a Canadian actor and vintner , famous for his roles in the television dramas Perry Mason , for which he was awarded two Emmys , and Ironside . Raymond William Stacey Burr ( May 21 , 1917 â `` September 12 , 1993 ) was a Canadian actor , primarily known for his title roles in the television dramas Perry Mason and Ironside .