Larry Drake, best known for his role as a developmentally delayed office clerk named Benny Stulwicz on the TV show L.A. Law, died on Thursday at his L.A. home.
"L.A. Law" star Larry Drake dies at 66 https://t.co/dMcNfWAwAs pic.twitter.com/1axy58LGZP
— Yahoo News (@YahooNews) March 18, 2016
The role of Benny started out as a small role on L.A. Law when the show began in 1986. By the time it ended, the role was expanded, with Larry Drake winning Emmy Awards for it in both 1988 and 1989.
Drake’s manager, Steven Siebert, confirmed his death. While the cause of death wasn’t immediately known, Larry Drake had a number of health problems.
Emmy award-winning actor Larry Drake, known as Benny on "L.A. Law," has died: https://t.co/Jbfv326llA (Photo: NBC) pic.twitter.com/PCZeT31LRL
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) March 18, 2016
Many fans of Larry Drake believed he was developmentally challenged himself. He considered that a huge compliment.
“It’s a wonderful compliment,” he said in an interview back in 1988. “Either I fool people, or they’re willing to play the game.”
In addition to his role as Benny Stulwicz on L.A. Law, Larry Drake appeared in a few movies in the 1990s, including Darkman, Dr. Giggles, and Bean.
Prior to his work on TV and in films, Drake performed in dinner theaters.
We remember @sagaftra member #LarryDrake, two-time #Emmy Award winner & beloved character actor. https://t.co/LE6dQEQ1jE via @Deadline
— SAG-AFTRA Foundation (@sagaftraFOUND) March 18, 2016
In recent years Drake worked as an acting instructor. His real passion, however, was baseball. Larry Drake visited every major league ballpark in the United States, according to his close friend Esben Melbye.
Do you remember Benny Stulwicz on L.A. Law? Were you a fan of the show from the 1980s and 1990s?