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.Bate's other credits include: Dixon of Dock Green, The Saint, The Avengers, Prime Suspect, A Touch of Frost and Midsomer Murders.