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This one is written with a heavy heart.  It is terrible to see our marvelous performers of yesteryear slip away.  This actor, born on February 4, 1923 passed away this past Monday, January 14, 2013 at the age of 89.

He worked on the stage extensively between the 1940's and the 1960's.  His film appearances included The Anderson Tapes, A Fan's Notes, Up the Sandbox, A Pleasure Doing Business, Bananas and Postcards from the Edge.  On television his guest work included appearances on "The Defenders", "Dark Shadows", "The Edge of Night", "The Love Boat", "Grandpa Goes to Washington" and "The Waverly Wonders."  He also appeared in a few made for television movies during his career.  

The big television break came in 1972 when he began playing Dr. Arthur Harmon on the CBS sitcom "Maude" starring Beatrice Arthur in the title role.  Dr. Harmon was the conservative Republican foil for the liberal Democrat Maude Findlay....he was also her next door neighbor and best friend to her husband Walter (Bill Macy).  The show's second season found Dr. Harmon with a love interest in the form of the divorced Vivian Cavendar (Rue McClanahan).  Their courtship was rough but they made it down the isle by early 1974.

When "Maude" ended in 1978 after six seasons the actor immediately went on to a new project "Diff'rent Strokes" in which he co-starred opposite Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato and Charlotte Rae.  He played Philip Drummond, a wealthy New York businessman and widower with a teenage daughter Kimberly (Plato).  Mr. Drummond honors the dying wish of his housekeeper and takes in her two young sons after she passes away.  Charlotte Rae as housekeeper Mrs. Edna Garrett rounded out the original cast.  He brought his Mr. Drummond character to other sitcoms including "The Facts of Life" and "Hello, Larry" both in 1979 and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" in 1996.  

"Diff'rent Strokes" dealt with several social issues including bullying, child abduction, pedophiles, drug abuse, bulimia and racism.  By the 1983-1984, Mr. Drummond found love again and in came Maggie McKinney played first by Dixie Carter and then by Mary Ann Mobley.  In 1986, "Diff'rent Strokes" ended eight successful years on television.  His third television series "Mr. President", in which he co-starred with George C. Scott, failed to bring in success and only lasted the 1987-1988 season.  After a long absence from television he appeared as a priest in an episode of "Unforgettable" in 2011.

In Memoriam Remembers:
Conrad Bain


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