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Character actor Bernard Behrens was born on September 28, 1926, in London, England. Growing up in poverty during the Depression-era, he overcame his harsh circumstances by sneaking into movie theaters as a child and dreamed of becoming an actor from the age of seven. Evacuated as a child during World War II, Bernard lived with a foster family and relied on his resourcefulness. He performed in stage productions with the Bristol Old Vic in the UK, as well as with the Canadian Players, Halifax's Neptune Theatre—where he starred in the Canadian premiere of "Mary, Mary"—Toronto's Crest Theatre, and the Shaw and Stratford Festivals in Canada. Beyond the stage, Bernard appeared in several films and made guest appearances on various television shows. His final stage role was as Young Farley in the Shaw Festival’s production of "Belle Moral." Diagnosed with dementia four years before his passing, Bernard spent his final years in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, before moving to Perth, Ontario, where he was cared for at Lanark Lodge. He died at age 85 on September 19, 2012, in Perth. He was married to actress Deborah Cass, who, alongside Behrens, was a founding member of Neptune Theatre under Leon Major’s direction; she passed away in 2004. Bernard is survived by his sons Mark, Adam, and Matthew, and his grandchildren Kate, Spenser, and Taylor.
