Who did Perry Mason's creator Erle Stanley Gardner personally pick to play the lawyer even though the executive producer wanted Fred MacMurray?

Erle Stanley Gardner personally chose Raymond Burr to play Perry Mason, despite the executive producer's preference for Fred MacMurray. Gardner believed that Burr embodied the character's essence, aligning with his vision for the iconic lawyer. This decision ultimately led to Burr's enduring association with the role, making him synonymous with Perry Mason in the minds of audiences.