Chris Drake

Chris Drake (born James Christian Droste, 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, in which he co-starred with Irish McCalla.

For other people named Chris Drake, see Chris Drake (disambiguation).
Chris Drake
Born
James Christian Droste

(1923-12-11)December 11, 1923
near Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
DiedJuly 9, 2006(2006-07-09) (aged 82)
Williamsburg, Virginia, U.S.
OccupationActor
Years active1944-1961
Spouse(s)Margaret Shobe (m. 1958-2006; his death)
Children4 children

Early life

Drake was born as James C. Droste[1] 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. Drake graduated from El Segundo High School.[2]

During World War II Drake joined the United States Marine Corps. As one of Carlson's Raiders at Guadalcanal, Drake was wounded enough that he spent 11 months in eight Naval hospitals.[3] He received two presidential citations for gallantry and a Purple Heart.[2]

Career

After he played a bit part in an RKO film, the studio signed Drake to a long-term contract.[4] He had the leading role in the film Forever My Love.[3] He also co-starred in the 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.

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
  1. "Wounded Marine Asks Court Approval Of Movie Contract". The Tampa Tribune. Florida, Tampa. Associated Press. December 15, 1943. p. 7. Retrieved May 6, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. "From Real Marine Raider to a Reel Raider in Movies". Chicago Tribune. Illinois, Chicago. December 5, 1943. p. 168. Retrieved May 6, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. "Marine Hero Earns Break". The Charlotte Observer. North Carolina, Charlotte. June 20, 1954. p. 33. Retrieved May 6, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. "Marine Hero Signs Up for Film Career". The Los Angeles Times. California, Los Angeles. November 20, 1943. p. 13. Retrieved May 6, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  • 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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