Alfred Drake was an American actor known for his performances in “Oklahoma!”, “Kiss Me, Kate”, and “Kismet”. He was a prominent figure in Broadway musicals and is remembered for his exceptional talent and contributions to the theater.
Personal and Family Life
Alfred Drake was born Alfred Capurro on October 7, 1914, in The Bronx, New York City. He was married to Esther Harvey Brown from March 10, 1944, until his death on July 25, 1992, and they had two children together. He had a brother, Arthur Kent, who was a baritone at the Metropolitan Opera.
Career Highlights
Drake created memorable roles in several original Broadway productions, including Curley in “Oklahoma!”, Fred in “Kiss Me Kate”, and the Beggar Poet in “Kismet”. He won a Tony Award in 1954 for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance in “Kismet” and received a Special Tony Award in 1990. Besides his stage work, he appeared in a few films and television shows, showcasing his versatile talent.
Death and Legacy
Alfred Drake passed away on July 25, 1992, in Manhattan, New York City due to heart failure. He is remembered as one of Broadway’s leading men, and his legacy endures through the recordings of his performances and the fond memories of those who experienced his work on stage.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Hamlet from the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre | 1964-09-23 | Claudius |
| Diary of a Sergeant | 1945-07-01 | Harold Russell (voice) (uncredited) |
| Tars and Spars | 1946-01-10 | Howard Young |
| Kiss Me, Kate | 1958-11-20 | Frederick Graham / Petruchio |
| Broadway’s Lost Treasures III: The Best of The Tony Awards | 2005-08-07 | Fred Graham / Petruchio (archive footage) |
| Visit From a Dead Man | 1975-01-10 | Fred Carter |
| Your Money or Your Wife | 1972-12-19 | |
| The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus | 1985-12-17 | The Great Ak (voice) |
| The Yeomen of the Guard | 1957-04-10 | Jack Point |
| Strange Victory | 1948-09-25 | Narrator |
| Trading Places | 1983-06-07 | President of Exchange |
| The Adventures of Marco Polo | 1956-04-14 | Marco Polo |
| Night of 100 Stars | 1982-03-08 | Self |
| You’re the Top: The Cole Porter Story | 1990-07-23 | Self |
| Naughty Marietta | 2003-01-01 | Capt. Dick Warrington |
| Hallmark Hall of Fame | 1951-12-24 | Jack Point |
| The Dinah Shore Chevy Show | 1956-10-05 | Self |
| The Philco Television Playhouse | 1948-10-03 | Captain Brown |
| The Steve Allen Show | 1956-06-24 | Self – Singer |
| Tony Awards | 1956-04-01 | Narrator |
| Tony Awards | 1956-04-01 | Self – Performer |
| Hallmark Hall of Fame | 1951-12-24 | Frederick Graham / Petruchio |
| The Bell Telephone Hour | 1959-01-12 | Self |