Michael Pate

 Michael Pate (February 26, 1920 – September 1, 2008)

During World War II, Pate served in the Australian Army in the South West Pacific Area. He was transferred to the 1st Australian Army Amenities Entertainment Unit, known as "The Islanders", entertaining Australian troops in various combat areas. After the war, Pate returned to radio, appearing in many plays and serials. Between 1946 and 1950 he began working in films. In 1949 he appeared in his first leading role in Sons of Matthew. In 1950, he appeared in Bitter Springs with Tommy Trinder and Chips Rafferty. That same year Pate also adapted, produced, and directed two plays: Dark of the Moon and Bonaventure. His memorable roles were in the films "Five Fingers" (1952), "Houdini" (1953) "Hondo" (1953), "The Silver Chalice" (1954), "The Court Jester" (1955), "PT 109" (1963) and "McLintock!" (1963). Among his television credits are "Have Gun- Will Travel", "The Rifleman", "Rawhide", "The Time Tunnel", "Get Smart", "Batman" and "The Wild, Wild West". In addition, Pate had featured roles in the series "Hondo" and "Matlock Police". He also directed and wrote the screenplay for the early Mel Gibson picture "Tim" (1979). Pate died at the age of 88 at Gosford Hospital in New South Wales, Australia, on September 1, 2008.