- He was the great-great-nephew of the French scientist Louis Pasteur.
- Lust for a Vampire (1971) was his least favourite film of his own. He once described it as "one of the worst films ever made.".
- The Ralph Bates Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund was set up in January 1992 following his death. The main objective is to provide grants for research into pancreatic cancer at St George's University of London. Wife Virginia is active in raising money for the fund.
- According to his widow Virginia he was appearing in a West End stage production with a movie lined up for the autumn when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died exactly ten weeks and one day later.
- Father of the actor Will Bates, who played his character John's screen son, in "Dear John".
- Guitarist Steve Hackett was a friend of Bates' and wrote the piece "Second Chance" for him, which appeared on Hackett's 1983 album "Bay of Kings".
- Met his first wife, actress Joanna Van Gyseghem, while studying drama at Trinity College Dublin.
- Father of the actress Daisy Bates.
- He appeared in all three films directed by Jimmy Sangster: The Horror of Frankenstein (1970), Lust for a Vampire (1971) and Fear in the Night (1972).
- Daughter Katie by Joanna Van Gyseghem.
- Both his parents were psychiatrists.
- He was considered for the roles of Dr. Armstong, Dr. Bukovsky and Roger Derebridge in Lifeforce (1985).
- He was descended from the family of Napololean.
- Met his 2nd wife when he had to cut her up in a Hammer Horror film,.
- Was due to start filming as Major Kraus in Puppet Master III: Toulon's Revenge (1991) just before he passed away. His role was taken by Richard Lynch.
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