Background
Bond was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the second youngest of five children. He was raised in urban Philadelphia by his mother.
Bond was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the second youngest of five children. He was raised in urban Philadelphia by his mother.
He was educated in Philadelphia schools, and eventually received a Bachelor degree from Central High, the only school in the nation certificated to grant such degrees.
His work spanned Broadway, Hollywood and United States television At age 16 Bond was introduced to the world of acting. He volunteered, and acted in several plays before leaving Philadelphia to join the United States Army.
He spent four years in the army, was wounded while serving in World World War II, and returned to Philadelphia upon his discharge.
Kazan got him a substantial role in two stage productions. After his success in the second (), he was invited to Hollywood to recreate his stage role in the movie version.
In 1951 he appeared in "Romeo and Juliet" at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York and in 1960 he toured in "Fiorello" (which starred Tom Bosley). He spent the next thirty years bouncing between California and New York, and between movie and television work.