Career
Drake made films starting in 1940 and continuing until the mid-1970s, and also made television acting appearances. Drake was excused from serving in World World War II due to heart problems. Despite this limitation, he did act in British naval training films.
He got his break after starring in the 1942 Broadway smash Janie, after which he was signed to a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
After a number of films, Drake co-starred with Judy Garland in as John Truett, the boy next door. He appeared in more than forty films in all, including,, as composer Richard Rodgers in the biography, and, in a role at the opposite end of the character spectrum from John Truett, as the leader of a gang of criminals in.
He also had a minor role in the movie, playing Editor Sullivan"s producer Mr. Fitzpatrick. From 1950 thereafter, Drake had roles in numerous television series, such as National Broadcasting Company"s Cimarron City, American Broadcasting Company"s Land of the Giants and Columbia Broadcasting System"s Perry Mason.
Drake died of lung cancer in 1982.
