Larry Drake
Explore the life and career of Larry Drake (1949–2016), the Emmy-winning American actor best known for L.A. Law, Darkman, and his voice work in Johnny Bravo.
Introduction
Larry Richard Drake (February 21, 1949 – March 17, 2016) was an accomplished American character actor whose versatility spanned television, film, and voice work. Though often remembered for his sympathetic portrayal of Benny Stulwicz on L.A. Law, his roles ranged from tragic to villainous, from drama to horror to animation. His performances earned critical acclaim and an enduring respect for bringing depth to even unconventional characters.
Early Life & Background
Larry Drake was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the son of Raymond John Drake, a drafting engineer for an oil company, and Lorraine Ruth (née Burns), a homemaker. Tulsa Edison High School and later attended the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Originally, Drake considered a teaching career, but he ultimately gravitated toward acting and performance.
Breakthrough & L.A. Law
Drake’s breakthrough role came when he was cast as Benny Stulwicz, a developmentally disabled office assistant, on the NBC legal drama L.A. Law. He joined the cast in 1987 and remained through the show’s end in 1994.
His portrayal was widely praised for its humanity and nuance. He won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series twice — in 1988 and 1989 — for the role.
Drake reprised the role of Benny in L.A. Law: The Movie (2002).
Film, TV & Voice Career
Film & Dramatic Roles
Beyond L.A. Law, Drake was known for taking on darker or more intense roles:
-
He played Robert G. Durant in Darkman (1990) and its sequel Darkman II: The Return of Durant.
-
In Dr. Giggles (1992), he portrayed a macabre character (Dr. Evan Rendell Jr.).
-
Other film credits include The Journey of August King, American Pie 2, Pathology, Overnight Delivery, and Gryphon.
Television & Guest Roles
Drake made numerous TV guest appearances on series including:
-
Tales from the Crypt, in which he played chilling, memorable characters in horror-themed episodes.
-
Prey, where he was a regular cast member as Dr. Walter Attwood.
-
Appearances in Star Trek: Voyager, Stargate SG-1, Six Feet Under, Firefly, Boston Legal, and others.
Voice Acting
Drake also lent his voice to animated works:
-
He voiced Pops on Johnny Bravo.
-
He voiced Ganthet in Green Lantern: First Flight.
Personal Life
Larry Drake was married to actress and producer Ruth de Sosa from 1989 to 1991.
Later Years & Death
On March 17, 2016, Larry Drake passed away in his Hollywood home.
Drake was 67 by some sources, though many reports say he was 66 at the time of death.
He is interred at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles.
Style, Legacy & Impact
Larry Drake’s legacy lies in his ability to bring dignity and depth to characters that could have been reduced to caricature. His performance as Benny broke ground: viewers often assumed Drake himself had developmental disabilities because of how seamlessly he embodied the role.
He was not afraid of confronting darker or more challenging material, as seen in his horror and thriller roles, and voice acting allowed him to show versatility across mediums.
Though not always a leading man, he elevated supporting roles to emotional significance. His career is a testament to how character actors can leave a lasting imprint through skill, empathy, and consistency.