Michael Bates

Bates began his career serving with the Brigade of Gurkhas in Burma after completing his education at Uppingham School in Rutland and St Catharine's College, Cambridge. As an ensemble member with the Stratford Festival in Stratford, Ontario, he appeared in productions such as Richard III and All's Well That End's Well, alongside notable actors like Alec Guinness. Bates transitioned to television, playing memorable roles in series like Last of the Summer Wine and It Ain't Half Hot Mum, often requiring him to adopt accents and physical characteristics, including fake tan, to portray diverse characters. Additionally, he had a successful film career, starring in movies like Battle of Britain and Patton, and also worked extensively on stage, performing in productions at the Old Vic and Stratford.