Mark Harmon of NCIS: Has Any Other TV Actor Continued Top Billing After Taking a Leave?

The phenomenon of a television actor continuing to receive top billing even when taking a leave from a series is not unique, with one notable instance being Mark Harmon of NCIS. However, it is also historically documented that actors like Ray Collins of Perry Mason maintained top billing through the end of their contract despite taking significant leaves from production.

Introduction to Ray Collins and Perry Mason

Ray Collins was one of the five lead actors in the popular TV series Perry Mason alongside William Hopper, William Tallman, Barbara Hale, and of course, Raymond Burr. Collins initially featured prominently in the credits for the first eight seasons, appearing in the opening titles of every episode through the end of season 8 in May 1965, despite his declining health and diminishing screen presence.

Health and Professional Challenges

Collin's health was severely affected, particularly his ability to memorize lines, making it increasingly difficult for him to continue his role. He only appeared in 11 episodes in season 5, 9 episodes in season 6, and 3 episodes in season 7, with no appearances in season 8 at all. Despite these challenges, his name continued to appear in the credits until the very end of his contract.

The Decision to Keep Collins in the Credits

Two key reasons motivated the decision to keep Ray Collins in the credits:

Encouragement for Ray Collins: Producer Gail Patrick Harris stated that Collins watched the show every week, and featuring his name in the credits was intended to boost his morale. The belief was that this regular mention would provide a sense of continuity and importance to the actor during a difficult period. Preservation of Relational Benefits: Raymond Burr, the star of the show, wanted to maintain Collins as part of the cast to keep him eligible for SAG health insurance.

Tragic End and Final Season

Ray Collins tragically passed away in July 1965, just before the start of the ninth and final season of Perry Mason. After his death, his name was no longer included in the credits for season 9, marking an end to the unusual practice of maintaining his billing despite his absence.

Historical Examples of this Phenomenon

The practice of keeping a leave-taking actor in top billing mimics some historical precedents. For example, several other notable instances have been documented in television history:

Mike Hagan in The Fugitive: Mike Hagan played Dr. Joe Corden, a recurring character in The Fugitive. Despite his absence from some episodes, his name appeared in the opening credits. Jacob Weary in Caravans: This popular Western series continued to list Jacob Weary in the credits even when the actor took a break mid-season.

Impact and Legality

The legal and ethical implications of this practice are complex. In many cases, it serves to maintain a sense of continuity and respect for the actor and their contributions. However, from a business and health standpoint, it raises questions about the fairness to both the cast and the production team. Maintaining an actor in top billing despite their absence can lead to confusion and diminish the reputation of the series if the audience is expecting consistent storylines.

Conclusion

The case of Ray Collins of Perry Mason is a fascinating example of how television production has historically managed the dynamics of acting roles and health issues. While the practice of maintaining top billing for a leave-taking actor is not rare, it underscores the complex relationship between actors, producers, and the loyalty demanded in television series.

Understanding these historical precedents is crucial for modern television professionals to navigate the evolving landscape of content creation and the changing dynamics of the entertainment industry.