Bain, who played Phillip Drummond on the 1980s sitcom, passed away at 89 at a comfort-care facility in his hometown of Livermore, California.
- Jan 17, 2013
AceShowbiz - Conrad Bain, who is known for his lead role of Phillip Drummond on sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes", has passed away. The actor died Monday, January 14 of natural causes in his hometown of Livermore, California, where he had been living at a retirement home in the last few years.
Bain's daughter Jennifer told TMZ, "He was an amazing person. He was a lot like Mr. Drummond, but much more interesting in real life. He was an amazing father." The Canadian-born star was 89 years old and was going to turn 90 this coming February 4.
Todd Bridges, his co-star on the 1980s show which also starred the late Gary Coleman, was among those mourning his death. "I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Conrad as we were looking forward to celebrating his 90th birthday next month," he said, adding that he just spoke to Bain last week and everything seemed fine.
Bridges remembered Bain, "In addition to being a positive and supportive father figure both on and off-screen, Conrad was well-loved and made going to work each day enjoyable for all of us. He will be missed, but never forgotten."
Bain was serving in the Canadian Army during World War II. He became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1946, during his study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. His other notable role is as Dr. Arthur Harmon on "Maude" (1972-1978).
