Alfred Drake American actor and singer. Date of Birth: 07.10.1914 Country: USA

1. Alfred Drake: The Voice of Curly and More
2. Early Career and Broadway Success
3. Tony Award Winner and Shakespearean Roles
4. Hollywood and Television
5. Personal Life and Legacy

Alfred Drake: The Voice of Curly and More

Born Alfred Capurro on October 7, 1914, in New York City, Alfred Drake was an American actor and singer who left an indelible mark on Broadway and television. His signature role as Curly in the original 1943 production of "Oklahoma!" cemented his status as a musical theater legend.

Early Career and Broadway Success

Drake's musical journey began in the choir of Brooklyn College. He made his Broadway debut as a chorister in 1935, followed by small roles in "The Mikado" and "White Horse Inn." Over the next 40 years, he starred in 34 Broadway productions, including "Kiss Me, Kate," "Kismet," and "Babes in Arms."

Tony Award Winner and Shakespearean Roles

Drake's portrayal of Hajji in "Kismet" earned him his first Tony Award for Best Actor in 1954. He received a second Tony in 1990 and was nominated twice more. In addition to his musical theater roles, Drake was also an accomplished Shakespearean actor, playing Benedick in "Much Ado About Nothing," Claudius in "Hamlet," and Iago in "Othello."

Hollywood and Television

Despite his Broadway stardom, Drake declined most film offers. He appeared in only a handful of movies, including "Tars and Spars" (1946) and "Trading Places" (1983). However, he was active in television from 1949 to 1985.

Personal Life and Legacy

Drake married twice, first to Alma Tollefsen and then to Esther Harvey Brown. He had two daughters, Candace Olmsted and Samantha Drake. Drake passed away on July 25, 1992, at the age of 77, after a long battle with cancer. His legacy as one of the greatest Broadway performers continues to inspire generations of actors and audiences alike.