Emmy award-winning LA Law actor, Larry Drake, the has died at the age of 66. Drake had a career that spanned across stage, TV and film, however he was most popular for his portrayal of disabled law clerk Benny Stulwicz on the US drama, LA Law, from 1987 to 1994. He was nominated for three Emmys during his time on the show.
TMZ reported that Drake’s body was found by a friend in his home in Hollywood. His cause of death is yet to be determined, although his manager Steven Siebert told the Associated Press he suffered health issues because of his weight.
Drake was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and graduated from the University of Oklahoma. Mr Seibert said he had begun focusing on teaching in his final months.
He was married twice and divorced both times.
In a 1989 interview with The Associated Press, Drake said he portrayed Benny not as a stereotype but as a man with a full range of emotions.
“And that seems to surprise people — that [such] characters can feel as much as they feel, and note as much as they note,” he said.
Pogue recalled his friend as “one of a kind” and far different from the roles in which he was often cast, including villains and, at least twice, characters named Bubba.
“He was very learned, well-read and intellectual,” Pogue said, and a great wit and storyteller who was often the last to leave a party.
Although Drake sometimes chafed at being typecast, Pogue said, he appreciated the opportunities he had. Their projects included writing a mystery-comedy play, Whodunnit, Darling?
Source: CBC News
