Michael Bates

Biography

Michael Hammond Bates was a distinguished English actor born in India. He received his education at Uppingham School in Rutland and later attended St Catharine's College, Cambridge. Bates served as a Major with the Brigade of Gurkhas during World War II, participating in operations in Burma before returning to civilian life.

In 1953, Bates joined the Stratford Festival in Ontario, where he showcased his talent in productions like Richard III and All's Well That Ends Well. His stage career continued to flourish, highlighted by his appearance in Hotel Paradiso alongside Alec Guinness at London's Winter Garden Theatre in 1956.

Bates became a familiar face on British television, known for his roles as Cyril Blamire in Last of the Summer Wine from 1973 to 1975 and Rangi Ram in It Ain't Half Hot Mum from 1974 to 1977. His portrayal of Rangi Ram sparked some debate due to the use of makeup to enhance his appearance, yet Bates embraced his heritage, being fluent in Hindi.

In radio, he was a versatile performer in the BBC comedy series The Navy Lark, playing characters such as Able Seaman Ginger and Captain Ignatius Aloysius Atchison. Bates also had notable film roles, including appearances in Battle of Britain (1969), Oh! What a Lovely War (1969), and A Clockwork Orange (1971). His stage career was marked by performances in Shakespearean plays and a memorable role as Inspector Truscott in Loot at the West End in 1966. Bates passed away from cancer in Cambridge at the age of 57.