Bernard Behrens, a renowned character actor, was born on September 28, 1926, in London, England, amidst the backdrop of the Great Depression. Growing up in poverty, he was forced to rely on his wit and resourcefulness to overcome the harsh realities of his surroundings. As a young boy, he would often sneak into movie theaters, sparking a passion for acting that would remain with him throughout his life.
As a child evacuee during World War II, Behrens was forced to adapt to a new and uncertain environment, living with a foster family and relying on his own resilience to cope with the challenges he faced. Despite these difficulties, he continued to pursue his dream of becoming an actor, honing his craft on the stage and eventually landing roles in productions for the Bristol Old Vic, the Canadian Players, and the Shaw and Stratford Festivals.
In addition to his work on stage, Behrens also appeared in a handful of films and made numerous guest appearances on television programs. His last acting role was in a Shaw Festival production of "Belle Moral," where he played the role of Young Farley.
In his later years, Behrens was diagnosed with dementia, and his health began to decline. He spent his final years in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada, before relocating to Perth, Ontario, where he was cared for at Lanark Lodge. He passed away on September 19, 2012, at the age of 85.
Behrens was preceded in death by his wife, Deborah Cass, a fellow actress and co-founder of the Neptune Theatre, who died in 2004. He is survived by his three sons, Mark, Adam, and Matthew, as well as his grandchildren Kate, Spenser, and Taylor.
