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 War II, and returned to Philadelphia upon his discharge.

After his success in the second (A Streetcar Named Desire), 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).

[citation needed] Bond met Alma Halbert when she auditioned for a Neighborhood Players role.