A dynamic actor and visionary director, Robert Drivas brought striking intensity and artistic precision to every stage he touched. Trained at both the University of Chicago and the University of Miami, Drivas quickly gained attention for his sharp dramatic instincts and magnetic presence.
He made early waves as an actor on Broadway — most notably as the son of Cyril Ritchard in The Irregular Verb to Love (1963) — which toured and stopped at the Elitch Theatre in 1964.
Drivas was associated with many well-known theatrical figures of his time, including Terrence McNally, whose play The Ritz he directed in 1975. The Ritz premiered on Broadway at the Longacre Theatre on January 20, 1975, and closed after 398 performances and 10 previews. Directed by Drivas, the cast included Rita Moreno, Jerry Stiller, F. Murray Abraham, and HET Alum, Stephen Collins.
Drivas’ first film appearance was in the role of Loudmouth Steve in Cool Hand Luke (1967).
Drivas died June 29, 1986, of AIDS-related complications at age 50.
Though his life and career were tragically cut short, Robert Drivas left an indelible mark on American theatre. His contributions continue to influence directors and performers today, and we are honored to count him among the extraordinary alumni who helped shape the Historic Elitch Theatre’s artistic legacy.
Seasons at the Theatre
- 1964
- 1968
Elitch Theatre Productions/Roles:
- 1964 – The Irregular Verb to Love as Andrew Rankin.
- 1984 – Snacks (Directed by Drivas)
Notable Roles, Awards, and Other Work:
- The Firstborn (Broadway, 1958) — Rameses
- Mrs. Dally Has a Lover (Off-Broadway, 1962–63) — Lead Role
- Lorenzo (Broadway, 1963) — Giorgio
- And Things That Go Bump in the Night (Off-Broadway, 1965) — Sigfrid
- Cool Hand Luke (Film, 1967) — Loudmouth Steve
- The Illustrated Man (Film, 1969) — Willie
- God Told Me To (Film, 1976) — David Morten
- The Man Who Had Three Arms (Stage, 1983) — Himself
Elitch Theatre Connections:
- Drivas appeared as the son of Cyril Ritchard in The Irregular Verb to Love on Broadway, and later they would both appear at Elitch Theatre in the same show.
- Drivas was in the 1967 TV film, Cosa Nostra, Arch Enemy of the FBI, with HET alum, Walter Pidgeon.
Wikipedia Link:
