Alan Bates

[GladysBumps]

Alan Bates#0

Posted: 12/28/03 at 10:59am

How saddened I was to read not only of his passing, but of the tragedy that touched his life with the death of his 19 year old son and lovely wife in the 90's. And with what dignity he carried himself!
My fondest theatrical memory is of his magnificently brave performance in "Fortunes Fool," which sent New York's actors and acting students alike storming the Music Box theatre to get a taste of supreme craftmanship. At once heartbreaking and hilarious it was a performance to be cherished forever. Yet Bates, like so many of his British counterparts, was not just a craftsman at the expense of honesty. Whatever he did was totally grounded in reality.
Goodnight sweet prince, you will be deeply missed.

Updated On: 12/28/03 at 10:59 AM

[thirdrowcenter]

re: Alan Bates#1

Posted: 12/28/03 at 11:03am

I was moved by your heartfelt post.

[son_of_a_gunn_25]

re: re: Alan Bates#2

Posted: 12/28/03 at 12:52pm

I had a friend die of an asthma atack my freshman year of high school so i can feel the pain they must have had. He was an amazing actor, and his friends in family will be in my prayers.

My avatar is a reminder to myself. I need lots of reminders...

[BwayLover]

re: re: re: Alan Bates#3

Posted: 12/28/03 at 1:36pm

I love Alan Bates and was so sad to hear of his passing. He was one of my favorite actors and he will not be forgotten.

"Years from now, when you talk about this - And you will - Be kind. "

[Auggie27]

re: re: re: re: Alan Bates#4

Posted: 12/28/03 at 1:44pm

Amen to all posts.

Anyone who wants to see him in his prime, (re) watch "Women In Love," with Glenda Jackson. Aside from his legendary nude wrestling match with Oliver Reed, his romantic scenes with Jennie Linden are equisite. I remember first seeing this film in college, and the fiery young Jackson and the hirsuite young Bates made indelible impressions. Whenever I saw him on the stage, I always fondly recalled that first "Women In Love" performance.

"I'm a comedian, but in my spare time, things bother me." Garry Shandling

[Dollypop]

re: re: re: re: re: Alan Bates#5

Posted: 12/28/03 at 2:11pm

I was blessed to see Mr. Bates in the original production of BUTLEY. He was an exceptional actor and a charming man offstage. The theater community will miss him.

To quote Shakespeare:

"May flights of angels sing him to his rest". Amen.

"Long live God!" (GODSPELL)

[onceadancer2]

re: re: re: re: re: re: Alan Bates#6

Posted: 12/28/03 at 2:34pm

Sorry to hear about his passing. He was an exceptionally fine actor. What a loss to the theatrical and movie worlds!

Miriam

Every movement has a meaning--but what the hell does it mean!

[GladysBumps]

re: re: re: re: re: Alan Bates#7

Posted: 12/28/03 at 10:21pm

You want to talk nude scene. There's one in "Georgy Girl" where he stands up in the bathtub and his gorgeous buns fill half the screen. Practically sent my girlfriend Sarah to the hospital. Still, to see the man at his most beautiful, rent "Look Back In Anger." Ohmygod, I just realized he's also nude at the end of "King Of Hearts." Nice of him to . . . so consistanty . . . well . . . share the wealth.
Kisses
Gladys

[notoneofthelocals]

re: re: re: re: re: re: Alan Bates#8

Posted: 12/29/03 at 1:54pm

OMG! Thank you Gladys for the lovely messages and especially the tips about movies showing more of Alan Bates. I loved him so and am so GRATEFUL that I made it to NYC last year to see him in "Fortune's Fool". You know how as an adolescent you discover a star who sets your heart and hormones on fire? Alan Bates in "A Kind of Loving" was my awakening and I've always loved him so (maybe I already mentioned that). He was so wonderful.

[BwayLover]

re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Alan Bates#9

Posted: 12/29/03 at 2:48pm

I have always loved his less flashy roles, such as "Separate Tables" or "The Go-Between". I did love him in "Georgy Girl", though- that was the movie that introduced him to me and I've loved him ever since. These news have truly sadenned me.

"Years from now, when you talk about this - And you will - Be kind. "

[sabrelady]

re: re: re: Alan Bates#10

Posted: 12/29/03 at 5:56pm

Always thought Jill Clayburgh was CRAZY to let him get away in An Unmarried Woman. He did Richard III in Stratford here that is still referenced as one of the penultimate performances. Life is too short...

[JakeB]

re: re: re: re: Alan Bates#11

Posted: 12/29/03 at 6:20pm

Another sad passing was British comedian Bob Monkhouse, he was very popular and very funny - a comic British legend.