- Dean of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television from 1990 - 1998.
- He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7065 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on March 9, 1995.
- Took an "Alan Smithee" credit for Teacher's Aide/Paladin of the Lost Hour (1985), one of the most highly regarded episodes of the 1980s incarnation of The Twilight Zone (1959), while he was president of the Directors Guild.
- Produced a record 14 Academy Award telecasts, which included the creation of the 'In Memoriam' segment.
- Artistic Director and President of the UCLA Geffen Playhouse since 1994.
- President of the Directors Guild of America (DGA) from 1983 - 1987.
- His parents were Russian Jewish immigrants.
- Attended Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York.
- Younger brother of Joseph Cates.
- Attended and graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School (1951).
- Member of the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) (Directors Branch) [1984-1993 and 2002-2005].
- Has directed four actors to Oscar nominations: Melvyn Douglas (Best Actor, I Never Sang for My Father (1970)), Gene Hackman (Best Supporting Actor, I Never Sang for My Father (1970)), Joanne Woodward (Best Actress, Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams (1973)), and Sylvia Sidney (Best Supporting Actress, Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams (1973)).
- Received the Directors Guild Presidents Award (2005).
- Granduncle of Owen Kline and Greta Kline.
- Says that "one of the happiest moments I've ever had" came in 1984, when the Directors Guild was honoring Orson Welles with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Cates succeeded in getting Robert Wise and Welles to shake hands on stage after 42 years of bitterness between them, owing to the editing of the ill-fated The Magnificent Ambersons (1942).
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