GARDEN CITY, Mich. — Actor, comedian and poet R.C. Bates died Dec. 8 at his home here. Though some may recognize him from his memorable presence in the band Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” video (featuring that OTHER Chris Cornell), MSTies are sure to remember him as crusty caretaker Sam the Keeper in the movie in episode 904- WEREWOLF. He was 77.
Weird things a-doin’ … round here.
Only 77? I guess he wasn’t as old in “Werewolf” as I thought he was.
I was excited when I saw him in Werewolf because I’d seen him before! In high school I went through a phase where I watched as many mockumentaries as I could find, and he was very funny in one called …And God Spoke.
This makes me very sad. One day while driving through Hollywood (CA) I glanced to my right and saw RC walking down the sidewalk. I pulled over and spoke with him. I eventually gave him a ride to where he was going and we actually began a semi- friendship. I mentioned to him how the film “Werewolf” was riffed on MST3K and he laughed. He said, “those guys are great.” I make films and had plans to put him in at lease one of them. He was a kind man. While I can’t quite call him a friend, he was pretty close. I shall miss him. RIP