Robert Drivas

Robert Drivas (November 21, 1938 – June 29, 1986) was a distinguished American actor and theater director, recognized for his impactful contributions to both stage and screen.

Born Robert Choromokos in Chicago, Illinois, he was the son of Hariklia (née Cunningham-Wright) and James Peter Choromokos. Drivas pursued higher education at the University of Chicago and the University of Miami, and further honed his craft at the Greek Playhouse in Athens and the Coconut Grove Playhouse in Miami Beach. He made his New York stage debut in 1958, portraying Rameses in the play *The Firstborn*, which starred Anthony Quayle as Moses. Throughout his career, he appeared in notable productions such as *One More River* (1960), *The Wall* (1960), *The Irregular Verb to Love* (1963), and *And Things That Go Bump in the Night* (1965), the latter of which he also directed. In 1963, he earned a Theatre World Award for his role in *Mrs. Dally Has a Lover* alongside Estelle Parsons.

Drivas collaborated with many prominent theatrical figures, including playwrights Terrence McNally and Edward Albee, directing *The Ritz* in 1975 and performing in Albee's *The Man Who Had Three Arms* in 1983. His directorial accolades also include the Obie Award-winning *Bad Habits* and a revival of the musical *Little Me*.

In addition to theater, Drivas had a television presence starting in 1958, appearing in series such as *Route 66*, *N.Y.P.D.*, and *The Fugitive*. His film career began with a role as "Loudmouth Steve" in the iconic prison drama *Cool Hand Luke* (1967), followed by appearances in *The Illustrated Man* (1969) and *Where It's At