Chris Drake

Chris Drake
Born James Christian Droste
(1923-12-11)December 11, 1923
near Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
Died July 9, 2006(2006-07-09) (aged 82)
Williamsburg, Virginia, U.S.
Occupation Actor
Years active 1944-1961
Spouse(s) Margaret Shobe (m. 1958-2006; his death)
Children 4 children

Chris Drake (December 11, 1923 – July 9, 2006) was an American actor best known for his co-star role of the 1950s television series Sheena, Queen of the Jungle. He co-starred with actress Irish McCalla in the Sheena series. He also co-starred in the classic 1954 Sci-Fi film Them! and appeared on such television series as Lassie, Stories of the Century (as Burt Alvord), Dragnet, and The Lone Ranger.

Early life

Drake was born as James Christian Droste near Richmond, Virginia. He traced his family's roots in Virginia back to 1638. When he was 10 years old, he moved with his family to California, after his father had developed an incurable skin condition. They settled in Manhattan Beach. Eleven years later, he found himself working as a contract player for RKO.

During World War II Drake joined the United States Marine Corps. He was one of Carlson's Raiders at Guadalcanal who were surrounded by the Japanese. Drake was wounded and was sent home for an operation on his knee at the Naval Hospital in San Diego, California. At the end of 1943, he was transferred to the Long Beach Naval Hospital.

Following his acting career, he sold real estate in California, owning wholly or a portion of 11 real estate offices in and around Palos Verdes, until 1990. He retired two years later to his native Virginia, where he died in 2006, aged 82.

References

  • Ultra Filmfax   April 1988, Iss.66, pg. 79-82, by Charles P. Mitchell, "Christian Drake, Sheena Days with White Hunter Bob"


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