Bonar Bain (1923–2005) — Canadian actor and identical twin
Bonar Bain (1923–2005) was a Canadian actor and the identical twin of Conrad Bain. He appeared in television comedies and was occasionally cast as a twin or look‑alike in roles on shows such as SCTV and Maude.
Bonar Stewart Bain (February 4, 1923 – February 18, 2005) was a Canadian actor who is best remembered for his work in television comedy and for being the identical twin brother of actor Conrad Bain. Over a modest career he took a handful of guest roles and novelty parts that often played on his resemblance to his brother. His appearances included a memorable turn as an "evil" twin on the sketch show SCTV and a twin role in an episode of the sitcom Maude.
Early life
Bonar Bain was born in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada on February 4, 1923 to Jean Agnes Young and Stafford Harrison Bain. He and Conrad were identical twins, a biological fact that later shaped the kinds of parts he was offered. Public records and contemporary accounts identify him primarily by his family ties and occasional screen work rather than a long, continuous acting résumé.
Career and notable appearances
Bain's on-screen work was intermittent. He is often cited for a comic sketch in which he plays a sinister counterpart to his brother, exploiting the visual gag of identical twins with opposing personalities. The twin relationship also produced a one-off appearance connected to the character Arthur, played by Conrad in the sitcom Maude. Conrad Bain later became widely known for his starring role as Philip Drummond in the family sitcom Diff'rent Strokes, and Bonar's smaller credits are frequently mentioned in reference to his brother's larger public profile.
Selected appearances
- SCTV sketch in which Bonar played the "evil twin" counterpart to Conrad (SCTV).
- Guest role as a twin of Arthur, the character played by Conrad, on Maude.
- Various television guest spots and small character parts credited in television listings and program notes.
Personal life and death
Bonar Bain was married to Vella Bain. He lived a private life outside of the spotlight and did not pursue a high‑profile celebrity career like his brother. Bonar Bain died on February 18, 2005 in Edmonton, Canada, at the age of 82 from cancer. Notices at the time noted his family connections and the novelty of twin appearances rather than a large body of independent work.
Legacy and context
Bonar Bain's legacy is closely tied to the cultural fascination with identical twins in popular entertainment. Casting an identical twin as a look‑alike or "evil twin" has been a recurring device in television comedy, and Bonar's rare but memorable appearances illustrate how that trope was used for visual and comedic effect. While Conrad Bain achieved greater name recognition through long‑running roles, Bonar remains a point of interest for television historians and fans of classic TV sketches and sitcom guest casting.
For further reference and contemporary coverage, see linked resources and program archives for SCTV, Maude, and listings that document television guest appearances and credits (actor credits, regional archives, local histories, national records, Diff'rent Strokes context, SCTV sketches, Conrad Bain biographies, Edmonton notices, health reports, Maude episode guides).
Author
AlegsaOnline.com Bonar Bain (1923–2005) — Canadian actor and identical twin Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/135480