What's After the Movie
Alan Bates
Sir Alan Arthur Bates CBE (17 February 1934 – 27 December 2003) was a prominent English actor known for his roles in films spanning from the 1960s through the 1990s. Bates made his name in the 1960s with performances in films such as Whistle Down the Wind and the 'kitchen sink' drama A Kind of Loving. He is also lauded for his performance alongside Anthony Quinn in Zorba the Greek, as well as for his roles in King of Hearts, Georgy Girl, Far From the Madding Crowd and The Fixer, for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. His career remained prolific in the following decades with roles in The Go-Between, An Unmarried Woman, Nijinsky and The Rose, among others. Alongside films, Bates' career spanned across numerous television dramas, such as The Mayor of Casterbridge, A Voyage Round My Father and An Englishman Abroad, and on stage, most notably in the plays of Simon Gray.
Bates was born in Allestree, Derby, England. Music was originally encouraged by his parents, both amateur musicians, but by age 11, Bates decided to pursue acting. His initial studies in drama led him to Derby's Little Theatre before he earned a scholarship to the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, where he studied with Albert Finney and Peter O'Toole. He later joined the RAF for National Service. Bates made his professional stage debut in 1955, which catapulted him to stardom soon after. Bates was honored as Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1995, and was knighted in 2003, for his services to drama. He notably served as an Associate Member of RADA and a patron of The Actors Centre, Covent Garden, London, from 1994 until his death.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Alan Bates, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Alan Bates rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: Alan Arthur Bates
Born: Allestree, Derby, England
Citizenship: British
Birthday: February 17, 1934
Occupations: Actor
Years Active: 1956-2003
Children: 2
Spouses: Victoria Ward
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Awards and Nominations Received by Alan Bates
Explore the awards, honors, and nominations Alan Bates has earned across their acting career. From prestigious wins to critical acclaim, see how their talent has been recognized by the film industry and major award bodies.
Movies Featuring Alan Bates
Tea with the Dames
King of Hearts (re-release)
The Cherry Orchard
The Statement
Far from the Madding Crowd
Quartet
The Entertainer
An Unmarried Woman
The Rose
Discovering Hamlet
St. Patrick: The Irish Legend
Arabian Nights
The Prince and the Pauper
Bertie and Elizabeth
Nothing Like a Dame
In the Beginning
Love in a Cold Climate
Salem Witch Trials
Hollywood North
The Making of ‘Gosford Park’
Spartacus
102 Boulevard Haussmann
Mel Gibson Goes Back to School
Hands Up!
Britannia Hospital
Separate Tables
The Wicked Lady
One for the Road
Secret Friends
A Voyage Round My Father
An Englishman Abroad
Duet for One
We Think the World of You
Dr. M
Mister Frost
The Return of the Soldier
A Prayer for the Dying
Uncontrollable Circumstances
Nijinsky
The Mayor of Casterbridge
Georgy Girl
Oliver’s Travels
The Shout
Silent Tongue
Butley
Hard Times
The Fixer
Three Sisters
Women in Love
King of Hearts
Nicholas’ Gift
Zorba the Greek
The Story of Jacob and Joseph
Second Best
The Running Man
The Go-Between
Impossible Object
The Collection
In Celebration
A Kind of Loving
A Day in the Death of Joe Egg
Whistle Down the Wind
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Alan Bates, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
2002
The Cherry Orchard
Bertie and Elizabeth
King George V
Salem Witch Trials
Sir William Phips
The Making of ‘Gosford Park’
Self
1983
Separate Tables
John Malcolm / Maj. Pollock
The Wicked Lady
Captain Jerry Jackson
An Englishman Abroad
Guy Burgess
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