Larry Gates(1915-1996)
- Actor
Larry Gates spent much of his early career waiting for that "big
break." That Big Break finally came when he was cast in the 1956
Broadway comedy 'Bell Book and Candle' opposite Rex Harrison and Lili
Palmer. Already middle aged, the role was the first in a long line of
character roles that Larry would make famous on both stage and screen.
He was featured in the Stephen Sondheim television musical Evening Primrose (1966), and played the over protective Dr. Baugh in the film version of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) with Paul Newman. Gates later played the role
of President Hoover in the acclaimed television mini-series Backstairs at the White House (1979) and appeared on Broadway in 'Hamlet' opposite Sam Waterston. During his last decade Gates was beset with various health problems
forcing him to use oxygen on a regular basis. This still did not stop
the active thespian from appearing on a popular soap opera almost until
the month of his death. Mr. Gates passed away in 1996 , survived by his
costume designer wife, Judith.
