Avid watchers of film and television are almost certainly familiar with character actor Larry Drake from at least one of the eighty-two acting credits he racked up over the course of a forty-five year career. He's probably best known to the widest audience for playing the character of Benny Stulwicz on L.A. Law from 1987 to 1994, a role he reprised in the 2002 L.A. LAW: THE MOVIE.
It was through his work in horror and genre-related projects that Drake made an indelible impression on my childhood and earned many fans in the horror community. He made viewers care deeply for the wrongfully persecuted, mentally challenged Bubba Ritter in the 1981 made-for-TV movie DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW. He played a fantastic villain in Sam Raimi's DARKMAN and its first sequel. He was terrifying as the escaped madman dressed as Santa Claus in the Tales from the Crypt episode And All Through the House. He went wonderfully over-the-top as the slasher DR. GIGGLES.
Sadly, Drake passed away yesterday at the age of 66 due to complications of recent medical issues. It's sad to lose him, especially at a relatively young age, but he left behind an impressive body of work that will continue to be enjoyed by fans and new viewers.
Our condolences go out to Drake's friends, family, and fans. I know many horror fans out there will be joining me in having memorial viewings of our favorite Larry Drake films and TV series episodes.