Actor Larry Drake (Benny Stulwicz) 1950-2016 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 03-17-2016, 07:44 PM

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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 voicework roles for animated TV series and guested on “Six Feet Under,” “Crossing Jordan” and “7th Heaven.”

bmasters9 · 03-18-2016, 04:45 AM

In his best-remembered role: Benny Stulwicz on L.A. Law from 1987-94 (screencap from third-season [1988-89] L.A. Law DVD)

Jaqui-Michel · 03-18-2016, 09:08 AM

RIP Larry Drake. One of my favorite TV movies is Dark Night of the Scarecrow. He was great in his role.

AB · 03-18-2016, 05:26 PM

Rest in peace.

glickmam · 07-23-2017, 05:08 PM

I'd like to think that Richard Dysart was the guardian angel welcoming Mr. Drake to heaven.

Mr. Television · 07-23-2017, 05:16 PM

R.I.P. Larry. Always liked him in LA Law.

03-17-2016, 07:44 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,338	Actor Larry Drake (Benny Stulwicz) 1950-2016 Link 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 voicework roles for animated TV series and guested on “Six Feet Under,” “Crossing Jordan” and “7th Heaven.”
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

03-18-2016, 04:45 AM	#2
bmasters9 Member Senior Member Join Date: Jan 06, 2007 Posts: 2,545	In his best-remembered role: Benny Stulwicz on L.A. Law from 1987-94 (screencap from third-season [1988-89] L.A. Law DVD) Attached Images
	__________________ "CBS Sports presents...The Prudential College Football Report, sponsored by The Prudential, offering a full range of insurance and other financial services. The Prudential: the Rock...it's strong, it's on the move, it's bigger than life." (Don Robertson's spiel for The Prudential College Football Report in the 1986 season; modified from what it was in 1985)

03-18-2016, 09:08 AM	#3
Jaqui-Michel Brick City Citizen Frequent Poster Join Date: Mar 22, 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 355	RIP Larry Drake. One of my favorite TV movies is Dark Night of the Scarecrow. He was great in his role.
	__________________ Stupidity - The Silent Killer

07-23-2017, 05:16 PM	#6
Mr. Television 22 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,125	R.I.P. Larry. Always liked him in LA Law.
	__________________ Sonny

03-18-2016, 05:26 PM	#4
AB Member Eternal Member Forum Icon Join Date: Dec 26, 2006 Location: The South Posts: 59,426	Rest in peace.

07-23-2017, 05:08 PM	#5
glickmam Member Forum Regular Join Date: Mar 03, 2007 Posts: 661	I'd like to think that Richard Dysart was the guardian angel welcoming Mr. Drake to heaven.