Alfred Drake (born Alfred Capurro; October 7, 1914 – July 25, 1992) was an American actor, singer, and director, widely recognized for his pivotal roles in the development of the American musical theatre. He is best known for originating the leading male roles in a number of iconic Broadway musicals, most notably Curly in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! and Fred Graham/Petruchio in Cole Porter's Kiss Me, Kate.
Early Life and Career Born in New York City to Italian immigrant parents, Drake attended Brooklyn College, where he began his acting career in college productions. After graduating in 1935, he made his Broadway debut in 1935 in the chorus of The Town Crier. He quickly established himself as a versatile performer with a strong baritone voice and a commanding stage presence, moving into increasingly significant roles in operettas and musical comedies throughout the late 1930s and early 1940s.
Major Broadway Roles Drake's career-defining moment came in 1943 when he was cast as Curly McLain in the original Broadway production of Oklahoma!. The show was a groundbreaking success and revolutionized musical theatre, and Drake's performance cemented his status as a leading man.
Following Oklahoma!, Drake continued to star in major productions:
- One Touch of Venus (1943) – Played the lead role of Rodney Hatch.
- Kiss Me, Kate (1948) – Originating the dual role of Fred Graham and his character Petruchio, Drake delivered another critically acclaimed performance. He won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for this role.
- The King and I (1951) – He was originally offered the role of the King, but declined due to creative differences and schedule conflicts, a decision he later reportedly regretted.
- Kismet (1953) – Drake played the poetic vagabond Hajj, earning another Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical.
Directing Career Beyond his acting, Drake also carved out a notable career as a director for both plays and musicals. His directing credits include:
- The Liar (1950)
- Joy to the World (1948)
- House of Flowers (1954)
- Song of Norway (1956 revival)
- Kean (1961), for which he also starred.
Film and Television While primarily a stage actor, Drake made occasional appearances in film and television. His film credits include Tars and Spars (1946) and The Adventures of Marco Polo (1965). On television, he appeared in various dramatic showcases and musical specials, including a memorable performance as Captain Hook in a 1960 television production of Peter Pan.
Awards and Recognition
- Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical (1949) for Kiss Me, Kate.
- Nominated for Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical (1954) for Kismet.
- He was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 1982.
Later Life and Legacy Drake continued to perform and direct throughout his career, though his most iconic work remained in the mid-20th century. He was admired for his powerful voice, stage presence, and ability to blend operatic training with contemporary musical theatre demands. Alfred Drake passed away on July 25, 1992, at the age of 77, leaving behind a profound legacy as one of the definitive leading men of Broadway's Golden Age. His performances in Oklahoma! and Kiss Me, Kate remain touchstones in the history of American musical theatre.