Allan Drake(1921-1986)

Born Nathan Margolis in Boston Massachusetts, he was comedian best remembered for the role of Rodney Victor on the television comedy series "Sanford and Son." He began his career as a stand-up comic appearing on the "The Ed Sullivan Show" in the 1950s. He soon became a popular figure on "The Jackie Gleason Show," "The Dean Martin Comedy Hour" and "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." For many years in the 1970's he performed in Las Vegas and opened for acts such as Tom Jones, Englebert Humperdink, Tony Martin, and Vic Damone. As a character actor, he appeared on numerous TV series including "Cheyenne," "The Good Guys," "Get Smart," "The Courtship of Eddie's Father," "He and She" and "Too Close for Comfort." He also played minor rolls in the films Sex Kittens Go to Hollywood (1960) and Norman, Is That You? (1976). He died at age 64 in Los Angeles, California.