Larry Drake, the actor who won two Emmy Awards for his portrayal of Benny Stulwicz, a mentally challenged office worker in the legal drama L.A. Law, died on March 17, 2016 at the age of 67. He was found dead in his Los Angeles home by a friend, who called 911. The cause of death was not immediately known, but it was later revealed that Drake suffered from a rare form of blood cancer that caused his blood to thicken.
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What is Polycythemia Vera?
According to TMZ, Drake’s death certificate stated that he had been diagnosed with polycythemia vera, a rare form of cancer related to an overproduction of red blood cells in the bone marrow. This condition can lead to blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, and other complications. It can also cause symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, itching, and enlarged spleen.
Polycythemia vera is a type of myeloproliferative neoplasm, which means that the bone marrow makes too many blood cells. It is caused by a mutation in a gene called JAK2, which regulates the production of blood cells. The mutation makes the bone marrow produce more red blood cells than normal, which thickens the blood and reduces its flow.
Polycythemia vera is a rare disease that affects about one or two people per 100,000 population. It is more common in men than women, and usually occurs in people over 60 years old. There is no cure for polycythemia vera, but treatments can help control the symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Some of the treatments include phlebotomy (removing blood from a vein), medication (such as hydroxyurea or interferon), and low-dose aspirin.
How Did Larry Drake Live with Polycythemia Vera?
It is not clear when Drake was diagnosed with polycythemia vera, or how long he had been living with the condition. His manager, Steven Siebert, told the Associated Press that Drake had some health problems in the months before his death, but did not specify what they were. Siebert also said that Drake was proud of his career that spanned TV, film, and stage, and that he had recently focused on teaching acting.
Drake was best known for his role as Benny Stulwicz in L.A. Law, which he played from 1987 to 1994. He won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 1988 and 1989 for his performance. He also returned to the role of Benny in L.A. Law: The Movie, a reunion film that aired on NBC in 2002.
Drake also appeared in many other film and TV roles, such as Robert G. Durant in Darkman and Darkman II: The Return of Durant, a homicidal mental patient who escapes an insane asylum in Dr. Giggles, and the voice of Pops in Johnny Bravo. He also co-starred in Gryphon, a Sci-Fi Pictures original film in 2007.
Drake was married from 1989 to 1991 to Ruth de Sosa, an actress and producer known for her roles in The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles and Planes, Trains and Automobiles. He had no children.
How Did Larry Drake’s Fans and Colleagues React to His Death?
Drake’s death shocked and saddened many of his fans and colleagues, who remembered him as a talented and kind-hearted actor. Some of them took to social media to express their condolences and pay tribute to his work.
Corbin Bernsen, who played Arnie Becker on L.A. Law, wrote on Facebook: “I’m so sad to report that Larry Drake has passed away… I know him first as Benny… sweet kind compassionate… I’m sorry for your loss my friend… you will be missed.”
Michael Tucker, who played Stuart Markowitz on L.A. Law, tweeted: “So sad to hear about Larry Drake’s passing… He was one of our family on LA Law… A wonderful actor and friend.”
Blair Underwood, who played Jonathan Rollins on L.A. Law, posted on Instagram: “RIP #LarryDrake aka #BennyStulwicz from #LALaw You were an amazing actor & human being! You will be missed!”
Sam Raimi, who directed Darkman, said in a statement: “Larry was a great actor with a rare combination of comic timing and menacing presence. He was also a wonderful person to work with and will be greatly missed by his fans and friends.”
Seth MacFarlane, who created Johnny Bravo, tweeted: “Very sad to hear about Larry Drake’s passing… He was hilarious as Pops on Johnny Bravo… A terrific talent.”
Drake’s fans also shared their memories and appreciation of his work on various online platforms, such as Reddit, IMDb, and YouTube. Many of them praised his ability to play diverse and memorable characters, and his sensitivity and humanity in portraying Benny Stulwicz.
Conclusion
Larry Drake was a versatile and award-winning actor who left a lasting impression on many viewers with his roles in L.A. Law, Darkman, Dr. Giggles, Johnny Bravo, and other projects. He died of a rare blood cancer called polycythemia vera, which thickened his blood and caused complications. He was 67 years old. He is survived by his friends, family, and fans, who will always remember him as a talented and kind-hearted person.
