Paul Bates
Known for
Paul Bates is an American character actor born in New York, known for warm, dignified supporting roles across three decades of film and television. He appeared as Oha, servant to Eddie Murphy's prince, in the beloved comedy 'Coming to America', played Manny in Eminem's '8 Mile', and later portrayed the school superintendent in 'Bad Teacher'. His television credits include 'Modern Family' and 'Young Sheldon'. Bates remains a respected, familiar face of American film comedy.
Paul Bates
26 Movies · 21 Series
Paul Bates is an American character actor born in New York, known for warm, dignified supporting roles across three decades of film and television. He appeared as Oha, servant to Eddie Murphy's prince, in the beloved comedy 'Coming to America', played Manny in Eminem's '8 Mile', and later portrayed the school superintendent in 'Bad Teacher'. His television credits include 'Modern Family' and 'Young Sheldon'. Bates remains a respected, familiar face of American film comedy.
Movies
Plays Manny
8 Mile
2002
Plays Marty
True Romance
1993
Plays Oha
Coming to America
1988
Plays Cheetah Bouncer
Showgirls
1995
Plays School Superintendent
Bad Teacher
2011
Plays Bluto
Instinct
1999
Plays Oha
Coming 2 America
2021
Plays Theater Manager
Hannah and Her Sisters
1986
Plays Mr. Elsberry
Hesher
2010
Plays Louis Barclay
The Survivor
2022
Plays Buck
The Bonfire of the Vanities
1990
Plays Nightclub Manager
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story
2007
Plays Saul Jeffreys
The Preacher's Wife
1996
Plays Cleon
Hot Pursuit
1987
Plays Venables
Jennifer Eight
1992
Plays Storekeeper
The Super
1991
Plays Robles
Crazy People
1990
Plays Loud Customer
Break a Leg
2005
Plays Guy #2
Exterminator 2
1984
Plays Officer Finney
The Gun in Betty Lou's Handbag
1992
Plays Marlon
Mr. Wonderful
1993
Plays Kareem
The Pickle
1993
Plays Sammy
Paper Dragons
1996
Plays Paul Bart
Somewhere, Tomorrow
1983
TV Shows
Plays Dad
Max & Ruby
2002
Plays Crazie
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
1997
Plays Older Cop
Speechless
2016
Plays The Customer
The Wayans Bros.
1995
Plays Preacher
Country Comfort
2021
Plays Little Milton
Charlie Grace
1995
Plays Chigbo
Martin
1992
Plays Ron Bergin
Law & Order
1990
Plays Morgue Attendant
Numb3rs
2005
Plays Fish
The Single Guy
1995
Plays Lester
Wings
1990
Plays Mr. Garland
Becker
1998
Plays Thomas
Modern Family
2009
Plays Keith / Constable
Girlboss
2017
Plays Phil
FlashForward
2009
Plays Officer Whitcomb
The Conners
2018
Plays Luis
Young Sheldon
2017
Plays Tow Truck Guy
The Middle
2009
Plays Art
Lethal Weapon
2016
Plays FOX Guard
The Grinder
2015
Plays Beat Cop
Common Law
2012
Latest Trailers
Watch Trailer
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence
Full Filmography 47
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Paul Bates and where are they from?
Paul Bates is 67 years old, born on December 24, 1958 in New York, United States.
What are the most famous roles of Paul Bates?
Paul Bates is best known for roles in 8 Mile, Bad Teacher, Coming to America.
How many movies has Paul Bates been in?
Over a 43-year career (since 1983), Paul Bates has appeared in 26 movies and 21 TV shows.
What was Paul Bates's first movie?
The career of Paul Bates began with Somewhere, Tomorrow (1983).
What is Paul Bates's most recent movie or series?
Paul Bates's most recent release is Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence, which premiered on August 7, 2026.
What TV shows has Paul Bates appeared in?
On television, Paul Bates has appeared in Modern Family, Young Sheldon, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Lethal Weapon.
Paul Bates
1958-12-24 · New York, United States
Paul Bates is an American actor. He has played minor roles in True Romance, The Preacher's Wife, Mr. Wonderful, 8 Mile, The Wayans Bros, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story and Bad Teacher. He is known for playing Oha in the 1988 film Coming to America starring Eddie Murphy.