Ray Collins (December 10, 1889 – July 11, 1965) was a distinguished American character actor of stage, radio, film, and television, a founding member of Orson Welles’ Mercury Theatre who is best known for his iconic roles in the film masterpiece Citizen Kane (1941) and the classic TV series Perry Mason.
A veteran of over 900 stage roles and a giant of radio drama, Collins followed his friend Orson Welles to Hollywood. He made an unforgettable film debut as the ruthless political boss Jim W. Gettys in Citizen Kane. His collaboration with Welles continued with major roles in two other masterpieces, The Magnificent Ambersons (1942) and Touch of Evil (1958).
While he appeared in over 75 films, Collins achieved his widest and most enduring fame on television as the gruff and perpetually exasperated police detective, Lieutenant Arthur Tragg, on the hit series Perry Mason. For seven seasons, he was the perfect foil for Raymond Burr’s brilliant defense attorney, cementing his legacy as one of the most beloved and recognizable character actors of his era.
