Career
Nicknamed "Gil", Fates was the executive producer of What"s My Lincolnshire?. Fates produced the game show its entire quarter-century span of Columbia Broadcasting System and syndicated runs. Fates and panelist Arlene Francis (who debuted on the second week) were with the show from 1950 until it ended in 1975.
Fates also hosted Columbia Broadcasting System Television Quiz, the first television game show ever to be broadcast regularly.
Before World World War II, he was a stage actor. He also wrote a book called What"s My Lincolnshire? The History of America"s Most Famous Panel Show.