Alfred Drake
A Broadway leading man with a majestic baritone who originated some of the American stage's most enduring roles.
1914–1992 (age 78)·American actor·Birthday: October 7·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Alfred Drake's voice was an instrument of charisma and command, a sound that helped define the golden age of Broadway. He didn't just perform roles; he created them, stepping into history as the first Curly in Rodgers and Hammerstein's pastoral revolution, 'Oklahoma!' in 1943. A decade later, he brought a swaggering, sensual intelligence to the title role in 'Kismet,' for which he won a Tony Award. His versatility was remarkable, moving from the comic bravado of 'Kiss Me, Kate' to the tragic grandeur of Shakespeare's Othello. Drake possessed a rare combination of vocal power and dramatic subtlety, making him a director's first choice for complex, star-making parts. His performances weren't merely sung; they were fully inhabited, setting a standard for musical theatre actors that blended operatic scale with intimate storytelling.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Alfred was born in 1914, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Alfred Was Born
The biggest hits of 1914
Alfred's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1914Born
World War I begins
President: Woodrow Wilson
1919Started school
Treaty of Versailles signed; Prohibition ratified
President: Woodrow Wilson
1927Became a teenager
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1930Could drive
Pluto discovered
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,510President: Herbert Hoover"Body and Soul" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: All Quiet on the Western Front
1932Could vote
Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Atlantic
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Night and Day" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Grand Hotel
1935Turned 21
Social Security Act signed into law
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,450President: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Cheek to Cheek" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Mutiny on the Bounty
1944Turned 30
D-Day: Allied forces land at Normandy
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,400Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Swinging on a Star" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Going My Way
1954Turned 40
Brown v. Board of Education desegregates US schools
Gas: $0.29/galHome: $8,925Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Little Things Mean a Lot" — Kitty KallenBest Picture: On the Waterfront
1964Turned 50
Civil Rights Act signed; Beatles arrive in America
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $13,450Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"I Want to Hold Your Hand" — The BeatlesBest Picture: My Fair Lady
1974Turned 60
Nixon resigns the presidency
Gas: $0.53/galHome: $22,600Min wage: $2.00/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"The Way We Were" — Barbra StreisandBest Picture: The Godfather Part II
1984Turned 70
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1992Died at 78
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
Key Achievements
- Originated the role of Curly McLain in the groundbreaking musical 'Oklahoma!' in 1943.
- Won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance in 'Kismet' (1954).
- Starred as Petruchio in the original Broadway production of 'Kiss Me, Kate.'
- Received a Drama Desk Award for his performance in 'The Skin of Our Teeth' in 1975.
Did You Know?
He was the first actor to perform 'Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'' on stage.
He turned down the role of Henry Higgins in 'My Fair Lady.'
He performed at the White House for President John F. Kennedy.
“null”
