Larry Drake was an American film, television and voice actor whose work ranged from sympathetic character roles to memorable on-screen villains. He came to broad public attention for playing Benny Stulwicz on the legal drama L.A. Law, a performance that earned him back-to-back Emmy Awards. Drake combined a distinctive physical presence with a gentle, nuanced approach that made his characters both recognizable and emotionally complex.

Career highlights

Drake established himself as a reliable character actor across multiple media. On television he is best known for Benny Stulwicz, a recurring role on L.A. Law that became central to the series' ensemble storytelling. In film he took on contrasting parts, including the sinister industrialist Robert G. Durant in Sam Raimi's Darkman, which showed his ability to play dark, intense antagonists. He also contributed to animation, voicing the elderly man "Pops" on the cartoon Johnny Bravo, demonstrating range from dramatic work to voice comedy.

Awards and recognition

Drake received industry recognition for his television work, notably winning two Emmy Awards in consecutive years for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Those honors reflected both critical appreciation and the impact of his portrayal of Benny, a character who was handled with sensitivity and depth during a period when television ensembles were gaining prominence.

Style and legacy

Often described as a character actor, Drake was valued for his ability to bring humanity to supporting roles and to make smaller parts memorable. Colleagues and critics highlighted his timing, expressive face, and the care he took portraying people with different life experiences. His performances continue to be cited as examples of how supporting actors can shape a show's emotional tone.

Death and aftermath

Larry Drake died on March 17, 2016, in Hollywood, California. Reports indicated the immediate cause was cardiac arrest complicated by a rare form of blood cancer. Tributes from co‑workers and fans acknowledged his professional versatility and the warmth he brought to many roles.