Larry Drake Dies; Emmy-Winning Actor Was 66

Sad news today out of the world of television:

Larry Drake, an Emmy-winning actor best known for his role on L.A. Laws, was found dead at his home in Hollywood. He was 66 years old.

The cause of death is unknown at this time, though Drake had reportedly been battling health issued related to his weight.

He was pronounced dead at the scene after a friend found Drake’s body and called paramedics around 1:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Drake portrayed mentally disabled office clerk Benny Stulwicz on the aforementioned NBC drama from 1987 through 1994, winning back-to-back Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 1988 and 1989.

The role also earned the star three Golden Globe nominations in 1989, 1990 and 1992.

Drake reprised the character of Benny in L.A. Law‘s 2002 made-for-TV movie.

The veteran actor, who also appeared in such films as The Karate Kid and American Pie 2, last made a television appearance as Bishop Luke Bernard in a 2008 episode of Boston Legal.

We send our thoughts and prayers to his family members and loved ones.

View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Passed Away in 2016: Gone, But Not Forgotten

Ex-NBA Star Larry Johnson -- Settles Up With Baby Mama ... Go Ahead, Take My House

Z STAFF

EXCLUSIVE

Former NBA superstar Larry Johnson was nearly a million bucks in the hole with one of his baby mamas — but he found a way to make her happy … hand over the keys to a house!!

Laura Tate filed docs claiming the ex-Knicks and Hornets player was way behind in child support payments — to the tune of around $ 900,000. She wanted the court to liquidate his assets so she could get paid, but we’ve learned Johnson hammered out a deal with her.

According to the docs he filed … Larry will hand over his $ 800,000 home in Orange County, CA. He’ll also pay Tate a total of $ 55k over time … a loooong time. He’s scheduled to make $ 1,500 monthly payments.  

The last time LJ made anyone as happy as we imagine Tate is with this deal — he was knocking down the legendary 4-point play in ’99. Great times in NYC.

See also

• Ex-NBA Star Larry Johnson — 26 Million Reasons He Needs to PAY ME … Says Baby Mama


• NBA"s Larry Johnson — 1st Baby Mama Stands Down … He Doesn"t Owe Me Squat


• NBA"s Larry Johnson — Alleged Deadbeat Dad … To FOUR Baby Mamas!!

Ex-NFL Star Larry Johnson -- No Jail Time for Nightclub Attack

Z STAFF

EXCLUSIVE

Larry Johnson dodged a jail sentence for the Miami nightclub attack where he punched a guy and attacked him with a glass. 

The former star running back for the Chiefs pled guilty to battery for the violent incident that went down at the Delano Hotel last October. TMZ Sports broke the story … Johnson punched the victim and then broke a glass — action movie style — and threatened to cut the guy.

Johnson’s guilty plea got him 12 months probation, 60 hours of community service, and he has to submit to substance abuse evaluation. He also has to stay away from the victim and the club.