Robert Conrad Price – Conrad McLaren
Passed: January 25, 2020
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Robert Conrad Price – Conrad McLaren
Passed: January 25, 2020
Obituary
Robert Conrad Price, who acted professionally under the name of Conrad McLaren, passed from this earth, peacefully and surrounded by loved ones, at his home in Litchfield Park, Arizona, on Saturday, January 25, 2020.
He is survived by his domestic partner of more than fifty years, Daniel Kruger, and his beloved friend David Nunamacher; his children Robert C. Price II (Caralee), San Clemente, California; Robbin Jean Price (David Dana), Bellevue, Washington; and Jennie Lee Price Voyce (Jonathan), Casa Grande, Arizona. He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother and sister.
He was born November 13, 1926, in Greenfield, Illinois, to Leo Kinser and Florence Edna Price. Valedictorian of his graduating class of Greenfield (IL) High School, 1944, he served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper in 1944/1945, and upon his return, earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts from Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) in 1950, followed by post-graduate studies at the University of Iowa.
He married Billie Lou Brummell of Alton, Illinois in 1953, and although they ended their marriage in 1970, they remained close friends for many years until his passing.
He worked for the U.S. Army in Europe throughout the mid-1950s as Field Entertainment Director, staging a variety of productions in support of military personnel stationed in Germany, receiving the Commendation for Meritorious Civilian Service. He eventually returned to Bloomington, where he taught and served as an advisor in the IWU Theatre Department, and later worked as an advertising executive for State Farm Insurance. During this time, he was extremely active in community and professional theatre in Bloomington and throughout central Illinois, directing, producing, and acting in more than a dozen productions staged by the Community Players, and serving as Director of the American Passion Play for five years.
Adopting the stage name of Conrad McLaren, he began a career as a professional actor in the late 1960s, relocating to New York City and building an extensive resume of theatre, film, television, and commercial work. His career highlights included roles in the Broadway productions of “Guys and Dolls” and the award-winning “Ragtime,” in which he originated the role of Grandfather. His film and television credits included “Green Card,” “Stephen King’s Silver Bullet,” “Reversal of Fortune,” “Addicted to Love,” “Ironclads,” “Summer Heat,” “The Cosby Show,” and “Kate and Allie.”
He had a song, a story, and a ready quip for any occasion and will be remembered forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. A celebration of his life will be scheduled later in the spring.
He took his final bows with this quote by Noel Coward, which guided his life: “I never cared who scored the goal, or which team won the silver cup. I never learned to bat or bowl, but I heard the curtain going up.” Condolences for the family may be left below.
8 responses to Robert Conrad Price – Conrad McLaren
Donna Sorbello says:
April 8, 2020
Dan –You and Conrad had popped into my head — all these years later —about a month ago. I twas in my head to try and fin d you — see what had happened to you in all these years. I’m not even sure what show we met in — Maybe it was the Equity Library Theatre Show??? when you and I became friends. What I vividly remember is that when I met Bob — ny husband of all these years — before I ended up moving to Boston – permanently – (who knew??) we four got together — and, I believe it was even after I’d spent some time in Boston, but came back to the city periodically. I have often wondered how it was we didn’t keep up the friendship, but moving away from NY — having a child –so many NY people — things — slipped away. I’m going to try to find you on Facebook — But — do know I remember how wonderfully witty and funny and bright and handsome, conrad was. You had such a dry wit — and he seemed to countered that, in my memory, always seeming to be laughing inside about something. I saw from looking on line – how he continued to blossom in film — wonderful . Hopefully, I’m going to find you there — or via facebook — and hope we’ll get to chat again. I’im SO SORRY. I know how devoted you both were to each other back when we all lived on the upper west side, and I’ve not doubt that never ceased. love to you —-Donna Sorbello
albert waldman says:
May 13, 2021
dear dan, Joan and I were having breakfast and remenicing about the very special times that we had at aunt betty’s bar with you and conrad so many years ago. when I googled conrad, we saddened to read about his passing. so very sorry for your loss. with love
albert and joan
Douglas Rees says:
February 1, 2022
I worked with Conrad on my very first Equity production, Horton Foote’s “The Habitation of Dragons”, directed by the playwright. It was a thrilling experience, and Conrad was a favorite of mine. Funny in a retiring, dry sort of way (“droll” is I think the word I’m looking for), but also a substantial person; I enjoyed a few conversations of some depth with him, and always came away willing to look at things from a different perspective. Oh, and not to “bury the lede”, but also a fine actor and consummate professional – memory may be tricking me, but I have him as having the last line in the play, delivered beautifully to no one in particular as he sat in his chair: “Forgiveness”. I am sorry for his passing, but may his memory be a blessing.