Larry Drake

Larry Drake was an American actor whose career spanned over four decades, beginning in the early 1970s and concluding with his untimely death in 2016. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on February 21, 1949, he was the son of Raymond John Drake, a drafting engineer, and Lorraine Ruth Burns, a homemaker, and he later graduated from Tulsa Edison High School before earning his degree at the University of Oklahoma. Drake first broke into television with guest spots and small roles, but his breakthrough came in 1987 when he was cast as the developmentally disabled attorney Benny Stulwicz on the acclaimed legal drama L.A. Law. His nuanced performance earned him back‑to‑back Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 1988 and 1989, cementing his reputation as a compelling character actor. Beyond television, Drake delivered memorable turns in genre films such as Darkman and its sequel Darkman II: The Return of Durant, where he portrayed the obsessive antagonist Robert G. Durant, and he lent his distinctive voice to the cartoon character Pops in the animated series Johnny Bravo. He also appeared in Dr. Giggles, American Pie 2, and the sci‑fi thriller Gryphon, showcasing his versatility across horror, comedy, and action. Drake returned to his iconic role of Benny for the 2002 reunion movie L.A. Law: The Movie, providing fans a final glimpse of the beloved character. In his personal life, he married actress and producer Ruth de Sosa in 1989, though the marriage ended in divorce two years later, and there are no public records of him having children. On March 17, 2016, Drake was found dead in his Los Angeles home at age 67; his death was later attributed to a rare blood cancer that caused his blood to thicken, bringing an end to a distinguished and impactful career.