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BORN
1950
DIED
2016
Larry Drake Obituary
Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1950, Drake embarked on a Hollywood career that dates back to 1971, with a small role in the film “This Stuff’ll Kill Ya!”
Numerous film appearances followed, including 1990’s “Darkman” and a starring turn in 1992’s “Dr. Giggles.”
But Drake was known best for his television work, in particular, his portrayal of “L.A. Law’s” Benny Stulwicz, the first recurring developmentally disabled character on a prime-time drama. Drake earned praised for the sensitivity of his performance in the groundbreaking role, which tackled the real-life issues that an adult with mental disabilities encounters, and he won consecutive Emmys in 1988 and 1989.
Some of his final performances included a guest-star appearance on “Boston Legal” in 2008 and a part in 2009’s horror-thriller “Dead Air.”
55 Entries
Dennis Winship
March 10, 2022
I remember him for his roll in Dr.giggles and his roll in dark man he will never be forgotten. Dennis winship Lynn Massachusetts
Ryan Oskar
February 26, 2022
Larry, i only knew you as Dr Giggles. i know this is coming 6 years late, but i just watched Dr Giggles again the other night, and looked you up, and saw you had passed away. you were awesome! godspeed, and i'll look for you on the other side.
your friend,
Ryan Oskar
Angelique
September 18, 2019
Larry,
This message is coming extremely late. I was not aware of your passing until a few weeks ago. You were such an outstanding actor and a beautiful person. I wish I could have had the pleasure of meeting you at one of the movie conventions. Thank you for so many wonderful memories; especially regarding Bubba and Benny. Rest In Peace Larry, and may God Bless you, your friends and family. Sending out much love, warm thoughts and prayers.
Judy S Thomas
January 11, 2017
RIP, Larry.
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Bobbie
May 30, 2016
Just learned of Larry's death. Please accept my heartfelt condolences to the family. Larry's acting career demonstrated his ability to reach his highest potential doing what he loved. In God's promised Paradise, we will all praise God perfectly in the performance of life for all eternity. Remembering Larry Drake with fondness!
Cathy Mrugala
April 21, 2016
What a remarkable actor, he will be missed by everyone . I had the honor of meeting him at the Texas Frightmare 2014 . He made me laugh . I enjoyed all his movies . God Bless his family . Cathy Mrugala Arlington Texas April 20, 2016
Dedria Varise
April 8, 2016
R.I.P Larry Drake who, I remembered as Dr. Giggles, and Good performance in Darkman.My Condolences to the family God bless and Comfort for their loss
March 28, 2016
What a great actor! He was awesome in LA Law. He was so believable. My sincere condolences to Larry Drake's family and friends. During this difficult time may you find comfort knowing Larry is in God's memory.
Randie
Scott Chamberland
March 23, 2016
Rest in Peace
Dan/Gene Scott/Walker
March 22, 2016
Our prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Larry Drake. Outstanding actor and truly respected by mentally challenged fans. Rest in peace dear friend.
Bernie Agee
March 21, 2016
Rest In Peace Larry Drake! Your portrayal of the character Benny on L.A. Law made my cousin feel very proud and not feel ashamed of his disability.
mary Smith
March 21, 2016
My deepest sympathy to the family. We loved Larry on L.A.Law and he will missed by many. God cares and will comfort you.
March 21, 2016
My condolences to the family during this difficult time.
Grady Youngblood
March 20, 2016
Larry Drake is the Greatest Actor On Tv & Movies
Sue Christiansen
March 20, 2016
So sorry to hear of Mr. Drakes passing. So loved him in Dr. Giggles.
March 20, 2016
My condolences to your family. Larry was a talented actor who could capture the role he was portraying.~Jeremiah 29:11
March 19, 2016
Larry was a great actor and will be missed by his fans. May his family be surrounded by love at this very sad time. A Fan
michelle plakas-kaiser
March 19, 2016
rip
March 19, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Carl Hayes
March 19, 2016
Excellent actor will miss you on the big screen
Bennett Family
March 19, 2016
Sincere sympathies to the surviving Drake family. May you find comfort in your fond memories and look to God and his promises for the future during this most difficult time.
Carmon Jones
March 18, 2016
R.I. P. Mr. Drake
Sonia Melendez
March 18, 2016
My condolences on his passing
Harry Simpson
March 18, 2016
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
kathy smith
March 18, 2016
Larry Drake also protrayed Bubba/ Scarecrow in Dark Night Of The Scarecrow one of my favorite movies Rest In Peace Larry
March 18, 2016
Rest in Peace
c.
March 18, 2016
God bless him.
March 18, 2016
To the family Larry Drake
May the God of peace "comfort your heart and make you firm" these difficult times, 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17.
Deepest Sympathy
Ellen Evans
Debra Smith-Meriweather
March 18, 2016
Dear Drake Family:
I hope you find comfort in knowing that Mr. Drake brought so much awareness to people with various types of mental challenges. His sensitive portrayals were impressive--and at various times--wonderfully tearful. Rest in eternal peace, Larry. You'll forever be "Benny, the Law Clerk" to me.
Steve and Colleen Arnowitz
March 18, 2016
As a special education teacher I was thrilled with Larry Drake's performance on L.A. Law. My husband and I truly enjoyed watching him and the Election Night episode stands out as a true winner. Thanks for many years of enjoyment and our sympathy to his family.
March 18, 2016
May it comfort you to know that God as well as others care about your loss at this time.
Sincerely
Troy Harper
March 18, 2016
I'll always remember him from Dark night of the scarecrow. Very sad to hear of his passing.
Susie
March 18, 2016
My sincere sympathy for the loss of your loved one. May you find comfort in knowing that those who die, God keeps in His memory because they are "precious" in His eyes. - Psalm 116:15
March 18, 2016
Mr. Drake will be missed. Deepest sympathy to his family.
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
March 18, 2016
In God's care, rest in peace.
RDR
March 18, 2016
Mr Drake was truly an amazing actor, he will be greatly missed.
May God comfort you during this difficult time . Please accept my sincere condolences, May you have peace. John11:11-14
March 18, 2016
Very sad when a loved one passes. There's always the feeling of 'why'. Well God does not want us to die. God wants us to live forever.
Sheila
March 18, 2016
Thank you for sharing your talent. God bless.
Sheila
March 18, 2016
Thank you for sharing your talent. God bless.
Carl Franks
March 18, 2016
RIP Larry, from "The Karate Kid" to "Darkman" and to TV's L.A. Law you will be missed by all your fans.
Enrique Godoy
March 17, 2016
Rest in peace. Always saw LA Law.
March 17, 2016
I am so very sorry for your loss. May God comfort your hearts and make you firm. (1Thess. 3:16,17)
Linda Ci.ndy
March 17, 2016
God bless you in Heven
Larry Drake. We loved your performances.
Linda
March 17, 2016
I extend to you my heartfelt sympathy on your loss. May Ps.9:9 bring your family comfort.
~ M. Loyd
Brian G
March 17, 2016
Larry,
Thank you for your courage and boldness in your choice of roles. Your portrayal of "Benny" in 1988 was as someone who "mentally retarded". Benny opened America's eyes, and now he is remembered as "mentally challenged".
The world is full of "Benny's". Parents no longer fear sending their most special children out into the world,
Even better,they are no longer "They".
They have names that people remember because they go to school or work with them every day. They have feelings and value. They make a difference. They work in the real world, with a work ethic second to none. They teach people about what is truly important in life. Caring about what you do. Doing your best. Helping your friends that may not be as fortunate as you.
My sympathies to your friends and family for their loss. Rest in peace.
Steve
March 17, 2016
Rest In Peace!
Steven
March 17, 2016
Rip Larry Drake ! He was a gifted actor remember him from L.A. Law to his family my heartfelt condolences. God Bless! Rest In Eternal Peace Mr. Drake
LA
March 17, 2016
I send my sincere condolences to the Drake family. He was an accomplished actor who entertained many with his talent. He will not soon be forgotten. May the God of peace be with the Drake family~Rom.15:33.
March 17, 2016
I am sooo proud of this actor for bringing mental illness to the forfrount thank you all and I am sooo sorry for ur loss kim gadsden alabama
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