‘Diff’rent Strokes’ Dad Conrad Bain Dies at 89

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com ^ | january 16, 2013 | Duane Byrge

[lowbridge]

Conrad Bain, who starred as Phil Drummond, the rich white businessman who adopts Harlem kids Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges on the popular sitcom Diff’rent Strokes, has died, according to the Associated Press. He was 89.

TMZ first reported Wednesday that Bain died Monday night in Livermore, Calif., according to family sources. Other details were not immediately known.

Bain, who played in many stage productions during his long career, also was known for his six-year role as Dr. Arthur Harmon, the blundering next-door neighbor on CBS sitcom Maude.

[SMGFan]

R.I.P. As a child I did not like Maude, ( I didn’t know I was a conservative yet) so I just didn’t watch Diff’rent Strokes either.

[bigdaddy45]

The Different Strokes curse continues....

[VanDeKoik]

And yet Mrs. Garrett survives...

[Sarah Barracuda]

I think she is the only one left from that show that is still alive right?
RIP Mr. Drummond

[Sarah Barracuda]

Wait I take that back..Willis is alive too

[fatnotlazy]

A bio on Mr. Bain says he served in the Canadian Army during World War II.

Rest in peace, Mr. Bain, and thank you for your service.

[ZirconEncrustedTweezers]

Tood Bridges is still kicking.

[4yearlurker]

Todd Bridges is on “World's Dumbest” show. He's still kickin.

[apillar]

Gary Coleman said that of all the people involved with Different Strokes, Conrad Bain was the only one that actually cared about and fought for him and the other child actors. To everyone else the kids on the set were nothing more than a meal ticket (including, sadly enough, their own parents)...

[entropy12]

yes, even through his acting role, he came across clearly as a truly nice guy.

[GeronL]

he must have been very disappointed in how “his” kids turned out

[GeronL]

and the same is still true in Hollyweird - especially the parents

[MNDude]

That show was the peak of race relations — post Jim Crowe laws, pre-LA Riots.

Rich old white men and young black males were living in harmony.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Enjoyed his work. Appreciated they didn't make him a "stupid dad" like so many sitcoms have today. RIP.

[History Repeats]

Having all his kids (T.V. Kids that is) turn out to be a bunch of criminals and idiot probably killed him.

[Nea Wood]

I believe he had an identical twin brother. Wonder if he’s still alive?

[GraceG]

Did he suffer from a Stroke or something?

[ScottinVA]

The Different Strokes curse continues....

Well.. he was 89 after all... not sure that applies here.

[Tanniker Smith]

And by "blundering", they, of ourselves, mean "Republican".

Saw some episodes a year or two ago, it's interesting to see the change in the portrayal of Republicans since then. It still wasn't greatbut compared to today? ...