Date of Birth: February 17, 1934
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Date of Death: December 27, 2003
Biography
Sir Alan Arthur Bates was a celebrated English actor known for his versatility and powerful performances in both film and theater. Born on February 17, 1934, in Allestree, Derby, England, Bates showed an early interest in drama and went on to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. His career took off in the 1960s with a series of acclaimed roles in films such as “Whistle Down the Wind” (1961), “A Kind of Loving” (1962), and “Zorba the Greek” (1964). Bates became renowned for his ability to tackle complex characters, which led to standout performances in “Women in Love” (1969), for which he received an Academy Award nomination, and “The Go-Between” (1971). Throughout his career, Bates remained deeply committed to the stage, performing in numerous West End and Broadway productions. He was particularly noted for his work in plays by Harold Pinter, including “The Caretaker” and “The Collection.” Bates’ dedication to his craft earned him numerous accolades, including a Tony Award for Best Actor for his role in the Broadway production of “Fortune’s Fool” in 2002. Bates’ personal life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. He was openly bisexual at a time when it was not widely accepted, which added a layer of complexity to his public persona. He was married to actress Victoria Ward from 1970 until her death in 1992, and they had twin sons, Benedick and Tristan. Alan Bates passed away on December 27, 2003, in London, England, from pancreatic cancer.
5 Interesting Facts about Alan Bates
1. Alan Bates was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003, shortly before his death.
2. He won a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in “The Mayor of Casterbridge” (1978).
3. Bates co-starred with Anthony Quinn in the film “Zorba the Greek,” which became a major international success.
4. He was a close friend and frequent collaborator of playwright Harold Pinter, appearing in several of his plays.
5. Bates was known for his role in the controversial film “Women in Love,” which featured one of the first mainstream instances of male nudity.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alan Bates
1. “You can’t always go by the book, even in comedy.”
2. “The thing about acting is that you have to wait to be asked to the dance.”
3. “Acting is always a challenge because you are always trying to be someone else.”
4. “The best actors do not let the viewers know what is going on in their heads.”
5. “I have no interest in playing the same role twice.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Alan Bates achieved a net worth of approximately $20 million.
Children
Alan Bates had twin sons, Benedick and Tristan Bates, with his wife Victoria Ward. Tragically, Tristan passed away in 1990 at the age of 19.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia – Alan Bates](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Bates
2. [IMDb – Alan Bates](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000869/
3. [The Guardian Obituary](https://www.theguardian.com/news/2003/dec/29/guardianobituaries
4. [BAFTA Awards](https://www.bafta.org/
5. [Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA](https://www.rada.ac.uk/
