Anthony Bate

Anthony Bate (31 August 1927 – 19 June 2012) was an English actor. He is possibly best known for his role as Oliver Lacon in the BBC television adaptations of the John le Carré novels Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Smiley's People and his role as Bret Renssalaer in Len Deighton's trilogy Game, Set and Match. Bate's other credits include: Dixon of Dock Green, The Saint, The Avengers, Prime Suspect, Inspector Morse, A Touch of Frost and Midsomer Murders. Early life Bate was born the third son of Isle of Wight hoteliers Hubert George Cookson Bate (son of George Harry Bate, a hairdresser and trichologist, of Stourbridge; died 1986) and Cecile Marjorie Canadine (died 1973). Bate was educated at King Edward VI School, Stourbridge, and trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama (gold medal). During his National Service he served with the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve from 1945 to 1947.