Background
Bond was born in McAlester, Oklahoma.
Bond was born in McAlester, Oklahoma.
He attended the University of Tulsa, where he played a leading role in the play Green Grow the Lilacs, which was later adapted as Oklahoma!.
On Broadway and on tour. He served in the United States. Navy in World World War World War II After his discharge, he joined the Broadway cast of Oklahoma! in 1946, soon taking over as Curly for Howard Keel, and, according to Deseret News, he played the role of Curly for the longest period of any actor during the original Broadway production. He then toured with the show and played the role in the 1951 and 1953 Broadway revivals.
He was also the only Oklahoma native to play the role.
His likeness, in character as Curly (along with Laurie), is featured on the United States. postage stamp commemorating the 50th anniversary of Oklahoma! In 1953, Bond was instrumental in assisting Oklahoma state representative (and later Governor) George Nigh to promote the show"s title song in becoming the Oklahoma state song. In 1991, Bond was the recipient of the Lynn Riggs Award, presented by Rogers State University.
In 1993, the Oklahoma Heritage Association named Bond an Ambassador of Goodwill. In 1943, Bond married restoration artist Maxine Vincent (1921–2008).
They had two children, musician and sound engineer Geoffrey Bond and Pamela Bond-Simmons.
After Oklahoma! closed in 1954, Bond retired from acting and joined American Family Life Insurance Company as a district coordinator in its Tulsa office. He continued in the insurance business. He died in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1997, aged 74.