DIFF’RENT STROKES DAD DEAD AT 89
Conrad Bain, who found success in two long-running sitcoms – Maude and Diff’rent Strokes – died of natural causes in his hometown of Livermore, California on Monday. He was 89. “He’d been unconscious for a couple of days, but he was comfortable and it was very peaceful,” said daughter Jennifer Bain. “I was able to be with him very close to the end and was able to put my ear to his heart and sing him songs.”
Born in Alberta, Canada, on Feb 4, 1923, along with twin brother Bonar (who guest starred in an episode of Maude), Bain began acting while in high school and studied at New York’s American Academy of Dramatic Arts after service with the Canadian Army. Early stage work led to some daytime drama roles in the 1960s — on Dark Shadows and The Edge of Night, followed by his six year (1972-78) stint as neighbor Arthur Harmon on Maude. The role of Phillip Drummond on Diff’rent Strokes immediately followed from 1978 to 1986, and he also appeared opposite George C. Scott in 1987-88 Fox sitcom Mr. President. Bain’s final appearance was a guest spot on CBS drama Unforgettable in 2011.
Besides his daughter and twin brother, Bain is survived by three sons.
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jmartin07Jan 17, 2013 at 4:51 am
he was never on unforgettable