Anthony Bate

Anthony Bate (31 August 1927 – 19 June 2012) was an English actor best known for his role as Oliver Lacon in the BBC television adaptations of John le Carré's Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Smiley's People. He also played Bret Renssalaer in Len Deighton's trilogy Game, Set and Match. Bate had a prolific career, appearing in popular TV shows like Dixon of Dock Green, The Saint, The Avengers, Prime Suspect, Inspector Morse, A Touch of Frost, and Midsomer Murders. He was born in Isle of Wight and educated at King Edward VI School, Stourbridge. Bate trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama and served with the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve during his National Service.