‘L.A. Law’ Star Larry Drake Dies at 66
Variety
By Carmel Dagan
March 17, 2016
Emmy-winning actor Larry Drake, who played Benny on “L.A. Law,” died Thursday, his rep confirmed. He was 66.
A cause of death has not yet been revealed. According to TMZ, which first reported the news, Drake was found dead by his friend in his Hollywood home.
Drake played the mentally disabled office assistant Benny Stulwicz on “L.A. Law.,” which was praised for handling Benny’s odyssey in a very progressive fashion, especially for the time, as he gets the job, finds his own apartment and gets a girlfriend over time. He recurred on the series from 1987-94.
He was Emmy nominated for the role three times, in 1988, 1989 and 1990, winning the first two times out. He reprised the role for “L.A. Law: The Movie” in 2002.
The actor was equally memorable in Sam Raimi’s stylish Liam Neeson fantasy action film “Darkman” (1990) as the villainous Robert G. Durant.
He also starred as the homicidal physician of the title in the 1992 horror movie “Dr. Giggles.”
Drake had a supporting role in Rowan Atkinson’s hit 1997 comedy “Bean” as Elmer, and he appeared in “American Pie 2” in 2001 as Natalie’s dad.
In television, Drake was a series regular on ABC’s sci-fi series “Prey” in 1998 as Dr. Walter Attwood. Debra Messing and Frankie Faison were also in the cast.
In the 2000s, he nabbed a handful of voice work roles for animated TV series and guested on “Six Feet Under,” “Crossing Jordan” and “7th Heaven.”
DRAKE, Larry (Lawrence Drake)
Born: 2/21/1950, Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.A.
Died: 3/17/2016, Hollywood, California, U.S.A.
Larry Drake’s western – voice actor:
Dead Man’s Gun (TV) – 1997 [Samuel 'Buryin' Sam' Roller]
The Legend of Calamity Jane (TV) – 1997 [English voice of unknown character]
Durango Kids - 1999 (Dudley)