Emmy winning actor Larry Drake, who famously played Benny on "L.A. Law" died Thursday ... TMZ has learned.

We're told Larry had some health problems lately, related to his weight, but nothing acute or terminal ... as far as his rep knew. Sources on scene tell us Larry was found in his Hollywood home by a friend, who called paramedics around 1:30 PM.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Larry won two consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor for "L.A. Law" in '88 and '89. He also starred in the 1990 cult classic, "Darkman."

Larry had dropped out of movies and TV in recent years, but we're told he was an acting coach.

He was 66.