Robert Drivas, a renowned American actor and theatre director, came into the world as Robert Choromokos on November 21, 1938, in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois. His parents, Hariklia (née Cunningham-Wright) and James Peter Choromokos, played a significant role in shaping his early life.
Drivas pursued his academic endeavors at the prestigious University of Chicago, where he furthered his education at the University of Miami. His thirst for knowledge and artistic expression led him to seek additional training at the esteemed Greek Playhouse in Athens, Greece, and the Coconut Grove Playhouse in Miami Beach.
Anthony Drivas initially made his mark on the New York City theatrical scene in 1958, taking on the pivotal role of Rameses in the esteemed production of "The Firstborn", which boasted the renowned actor Anthony Quayle as the titular character Moses.
Subsequently, Drivas continued to hone his craft on stage, appearing in a diverse array of productions throughout the 1960s, including the 1960 offerings of "One More River" and "The Wall", the 1963 production of "The Irregular Verb to Love", and the 1965 production of "And Things That Go Bump in the Night", which he also had the distinction of directing.
Notable highlights from the illustrious career of a renowned thespian, including a prestigious Theatre World Award received in 1963 for his captivating portrayal in the stage production of "Mrs. Dally Has a Lover", where he shared the spotlight with the talented Estelle Parsons.
Throughout his remarkable journey, he had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most celebrated theatrical minds of his era, including the esteemed playwrights Terrence McNally and Edward Albee, whose innovative works left an indelible mark on the world of theatre.
In addition to his impressive acting credits, Drivas also demonstrated his versatility by taking on the role of director, expertly guiding the 1975 production of "The Ritz" to critical acclaim. Furthermore, his direction of "Bad Habits" earned him a well-deserved Obie Award, a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication to his craft.
Notable beyond his esteemed stage presence, Drivas ventured into the realm of television, making his debut in 1958 on a diverse array of programs, including the iconic Route 66, the crime drama N.Y.P.D., the pioneering legal drama The Defenders, the suspenseful The Fugitive, the World War II series 12 O-Clock High, and the crime procedural The F.B.I..
His inaugural cinematic appearance arrived in the form of "Loudmouth Steve" in the critically acclaimed prison drama Cool Hand Luke (1967),a performance that would serve as a catalyst for a subsequent increase in film work. This auspicious debut was followed by a string of notable film appearances, including the science fiction anthology The Illustrated Man (1969) and the comedy-drama Where It's At (1969).
As the curtain drew to a close on Drivas' illustrious career, he continued to make his mark in both the theatrical and cinematic realms. In 1983, he had the esteemed honor of directing the world premiere of Edward Albee's thought-provoking play, "The Man Who Had Three Arms", a production that showcased his exceptional directorial skills and artistic vision.
In addition to his work behind the scenes, Drivas also had the opportunity to tread the boards, appearing in a wide range of productions that showcased his impressive range and versatility as a performer. One such notable production was a revival of the beloved musical, "Little Me", a role that allowed him to tap into his playful and charismatic side.
Furthermore, Drivas also had the privilege of starring in a musical biography of the incomparable Peggy Lee, titled "Peg", a production that paid tribute to the life and legacy of this legendary songstress. Through his performances, Drivas was able to bring Lee's story to life in a way that was both poignant and entertaining, cementing his status as a masterful performer and storyteller.
