Tom drake actor biography search
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Tom Drake
I was afraid of getting stuck with only young parts. Ive always had that trouble because I have a young-looking face. Tom Drake
While Tom Drake is arguably best remembered as the “Boy Next Door” to Judy Garland’s Esther Smith in Meet Me in St. Louis (), Drake also made his mark as an actor in a variety of films as well as television appearances before his acting career unfortunately declined.
Drake was born Alfred “Buddy” Sinclair Alderice on August 5, , in Brooklyn, New York, to parents Alfred and Gertrude Alderice. He also had a sister named Claire Kennedy. His father worked as a wholesale merchant and the family also typically had at least one maid under their employ.
Drake completed his education at Iona Preparatory School in New Rochelle, New York, and Mercersburg Academy in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. He developed an interest in acting and made his Broadway debut in Run Sheep Run, followed by a role in Clean Beds, billed as Alfred Alderice. Beyond the stage, he worked in British training films during the war years, taking on the stage name of Richard Alden.
Drake’s initial appearances in feature films were uncredited, beginning with an extra role in Our Town (). However, his big break would come in with his work in
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Tom Drake
American actor (–)
For the American baseball player, see Tom Drake (baseball). For the American wrestler and politician, see Tom Drake (wrestler). For others, see Thomas Drake.
Tom Drake (born Alfred Sinclair Alderdice;[1] August 5, August 11, ) was an American actor. Drake made films starting in and continuing until the mids, and also made TV acting appearances.[2]
Early life and career
[edit]Drake was born in Brooklyn, New York,[3] and attended Iona Preparatory School and graduated from Mercersburg Academy.[4]
He was excused from serving in World War II due to heart problems.[2] Despite this limitation, he did act in British training films.
Billed as Alfred Alderdice, Drake appeared on Broadway in Run Sheep Run () and Clean Beds ().[5]
After appearing in the film The Howards of Virginia (billed as Richard Alden),[3] he got his break after starring in the Broadway smash Janie,[6] after which he was signed to a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.[7]
MGM
[edit]MGM started Drake in a supporting role in Two Girls and a Sailor (). He was third billed in a "B", Maisie Goes to Reno () then had small roles in some "A" pictures, Marriage Is
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Tom Drake Biography
Aug 5, Inception Place:
Brooklyn, Different York, USA