Net Worth Ranker
What Is Conrad Bain’s Net Worth
At the time of his death in January 2013, Conrad Bain, the Canadian-born actor and comedian, had a net worth of $2 million. This valuation was primarily accumulated through his extensive work in television and film over several decades.
Early Career and Television Success
Conrad Bain’s early career involved stage work and minor television roles, gradually leading to more substantial parts that contributed to his increasing net worth. His breakthrough role as Dr. Arthur Harmon on the CBS sitcom “Maude,” which he began in 1972, provided him with a steady income for six years, until the show concluded in 1978. Following this, Bain secured the role of Phillip Drummond on “Diff’rent Strokes,” a character that would define much of his career and significantly enhance his financial standing.
The success of “Diff’rent Strokes,” which aired for eight seasons from 1978 to 1986, was a major factor in Bain’s financial success. While specific salary figures for his role as Phillip Drummond are not publicly available, it is reasonable to assume that as the lead actor in a highly-rated network sitcom, Bain would have commanded a substantial salary per episode, especially as the show progressed through its seasons. It is also worth noting that during the show’s run, Bain also appeared as Drummond in episodes of the sitcoms “Hello, Larry” and “The Facts of Life.” Additional income was likely generated from these crossover appearances.
In 1981, Conrad Bain also starred in the television film “Child Bride of Short Creek”, adding to his earnings from television projects during this period. After “Diff’rent Strokes” ended, Bain took on a main role in the Fox sitcom “Mr. President” (1987-1988), where he played Charlie Ross, the chief of staff to the president of the United States. Though the show was short-lived, this role would have provided a temporary, but significant, boost to his annual income.
Film and Later Career Ventures
While Conrad Bain was predominantly known for his television work, his film career also contributed to his net worth. He had small parts in movies such as “Madigan,” “A Lovely Way to Die,” and “Coogan’s Bluff” in the late 1960s. In the 1970 drama “I Never Sang for My Father,” he played Rev. Sam Pell, a role that likely came with a modest salary. Throughout 1971, he appeared in “Fury on Wheels,” Woody Allen’s “Bananas,” and Sidney Lumet’s “The Anderson Tapes.” Bain also portrayed Richard Nixon in Woody Allen’s short mockumentary film “Men of Crisis: The Harvey Wallinger Story.” Although these roles were not leading parts, they added to his overall earnings during that period.
Other film appearances included “A Fan’s Notes” and “Up the Sandbox” in 1972, as well as the science-fiction family comedy “C.H.O.M.P.S.” later in the decade. His final film role was in 1990 in Mike Nichols’s “Postcards from the Edge,” where he played Grandpa. Though specific financial details from these roles are not available, they supplemented his income from television.
After “Mr. President,” Bain’s television appearances became less frequent. He made a guest appearance on “The Adventures of the Black Stallion” in 1993 and reprised his role as Phillip Drummond in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” series finale in 1996, alongside Gary Coleman. These later appearances likely provided smaller, but welcome additions to his income.
Stage Career and Other Ventures
Conrad Bain’s stage career, while significant in its own right, likely had a limited impact on his overall net worth compared to his television and film work. In 1956, he acted in a revival of Eugene O’Neill’s play “The Iceman Cometh.” He later appeared on Broadway in plays such as “Candide,” “An Enemy of the People,” “Uncle Vanya,” and “On Borrowed Time.” Additionally, he was in the original off-Broadway run of “Steambath.” While Broadway and off-Broadway roles can provide steady income, the earnings are typically less substantial than those from successful television series. It is also important to note that in the early 1960s, Bain served as one of the principal organizers of the Actors Federal Credit Union, which was created to help actors and other performers gain access to credit and loans. As the first president of the union, Bain’s involvement was more of a service to the acting community rather than a direct source of income. The majority of his $2 million net worth was from his television roles, most notably his role in Diff’rent Strokes.
