Role

:

Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

October 7, 1914 in New York City, NY

Death

:

July 25, 1992 in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Alfred Drake was a renowned American actor and singer who made a significant contribution to the world of musical theatre. He was born on October 7, 1914, in New York City, to parents who were both actors. His father, Alfred Capurro, was of Italian descent, while his mother, Lillian Drake, was of English and Irish ancestry. Drake grew up in the theatre world, and his parents encouraged him to pursue a career in acting. Drake attended St. Joseph's College in Philadelphia, where he studied drama and music. He made his professional debut in 1935 in a production of "The Mikado" at the Shubert Theatre in New Haven, Connecticut. He then went on to perform in various productions, including "The Pirates of Penzance" and "The Yeomen of the Guard." In 1943, Drake landed his breakthrough role as Curly in the original Broadway production of "Oklahoma!" The show was a huge success and ran for over 2,200 performances. Drake's performance in the show earned him critical acclaim and established him as a leading man in musical theatre. Drake went on to star in several other successful Broadway productions, including "Babes in Arms," "Kiss Me, Kate," and "Kismet." He also appeared in several films, including "Tars and Spars" and "The Island." One of Drake's most memorable performances was in the 1953 production of "Kismet," in which he played the lead role of Hajj. The show was a critical and commercial success and earned Drake a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. Drake continued to perform in musical theatre throughout the 1950s and 1960s, appearing in productions such as "The King and I," "Camelot," and "The Sound of Music." He also made several television appearances, including a guest spot on "The Ed Sullivan Show." In 1971, Drake returned to Broadway to star in the revival of "The King and I." His performance as the King of Siam earned him another Tony Award nomination. Drake's last Broadway appearance was in the 1973 production of "Gigi," in which he played the role of Honore Lachaille. He continued to perform in regional theatre productions and made occasional television appearances throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Drake was known for his powerful baritone voice and his ability to convey emotion through his performances. He was also known for his charismatic stage presence and his ability to connect with audiences. In addition to his Tony Award wins and nominations, Drake received several other honors throughout his career. He was inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame in 1981 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Drama League in 1988. Drake passed away on July 25, 1992, at the age of 77. He left behind a legacy as one of the most talented and beloved performers in the history of musical theatre. His contributions to the art form continue to be celebrated and remembered today.

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