Larry Drake was best known as the sweet and gentle law office clerk with a developmental disability, Benny Stulwicz, on the long running hit TV show L.A. Law. Drake, who didn’t have any disabilities himself, died on Thursday, at the age of 66.
Actor Larry Drake, best known for his role as Benny on "L.A. Law," has died at age 66. https://t.co/Q1RhkczxWs pic.twitter.com/LAEtkpgZ49
— CNN (@CNN) March 18, 2016
Steven Siebert, Larry Drake’s manager, confirmed his death. While the cause of death wasn’t immediately known, Larry Drake had a number of health problems.
The role of Benny Stulwicz began as a small one on L.A. Law, when the show began in 1986. By the time it ended, the role had expanded considerably, with Larry Drake winning Emmy Awards in both 1988 and 1989.
In addition to his role on L.A. Law, Larry Drake appeared in a few movies in the 1990s, including Darkman, Dr. Giggles, and Bean.
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
Prior to his work on TV and in films, Drake performed in dinner theaters. In recent years he 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.
Were you an L.A. Law fan in the 1980s and 1990s? If so, you surely remember Larry Drake’s depiction of law office clerk Benny Stulwicz.