Ralph Bates was a British actor known for his roles in horror films during the 1970s, including The Horror of Frankenstein, Dr Jekyll & Sister Hyde, and Poldark. He was born on February 12, 1940, in Bristol, England, and passed away on March 27, 1991, in London, England.
Personal and Family Life
Ralph Bates was married twice. His first marriage was to Joanna Van Gyseghem from 1964 to 1973, and they had one child together. He married Virginia Wetherell in 1973, with whom he had two children. Bates was also the great-great-nephew of the famous scientist Louis Pasteur.
Career Highlights
Bates studied at the University of Dublin and Yale Drama School before gaining fame as the villainous Emperor Caligula in the BBC series The Caesars. He became well-known in the horror genre, starring in several Hammer films, including his notable roles in Taste the Blood of Dracula and Lust for a Vampire. Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, his health began to decline, and he appeared in various lesser-known TV shows.
Death and Legacy
Ralph Bates died from pancreatic cancer on March 27, 1991, at the age of 51, shortly after his diagnosis. His widow, Virginia, has been active in promoting the Ralph Bates Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund, established in his memory to fund research into pancreatic cancer. Bates left behind a legacy in the horror film community and is remembered for his versatile acting.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Horror of Frankenstein | 1970-11-08 | Victor Frankenstein |
| Dr Jekyll & Sister Hyde | 1971-10-17 | Dr. Jekyll |
| Lust for a Vampire | 1971-01-17 | Giles Barton |
| Taste the Blood of Dracula | 1970-05-07 | Lord Courtley |
| Poldark | 1975-10-05 | George Warleggan |
| Dear John | 1986-02-17 | John Lacey |
| Thriller | 1973-04-14 | Michael Spencer |