Ralph Bates

by Christopher Gullo, Gary J. Svehla (Designer), Virginia Bates (Foreword)

Written with the blessing of Bates’ wife Virginia and his two children, Ralph A Biography delves deep into the actor’s life from childhood and his beginning interest in theater at school, to his tenure at Hammer Film Productions as one of its rising stars, to his triumphs in television with lead roles in Poldark and Dear John. This biography features 165 photos, including many never-before-seen family photos. Besides his well-known turns as the dark and brooding villain, readers will also learn about his outside love of cricket and his desire to perform comedy, which came to fruition during his multiple tours with the production of Run for Your Wife! In addition to quotes from Bates from various interviews, over 70 original author-acquired contributions from family, friends and coworkers were gathered to give the most complete look at the life of a much missed actor, husband, father and friend to many. The author is donating all personal proceeds from sales of this book to the Ralph Bates Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund, which was created to honor Bates, who passed away from the disease in 1991.

188 pages, Paperback

Published August 14, 2018

Reviews

[Lorna Smart]

One of the best biographies I've read for a good few years. It is so well written and researched that it is a very fitting tribute to an actor who, in my opinion, was a very talented and underrated actor. What is even better is that at no point does it stray into sycophancy.

There is a good selection of photos and reminiscences from family, friends and colleagues. Unlike some biographies, this was an entertaining and educational read.