John Thaw

Date of Birth: January 3, 1942

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: February 21, 2002

Biography

John Edward Thaw, CBE, was a renowned English actor, best remembered for his roles in television series such as “Inspector Morse,” “The Sweeney,” and “Kavanagh QC.” Born on January 3, 1942, in Gorton, Manchester, Thaw grew up in a working-class family. His passion for acting led him to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), where he honed his skills and graduated in 1960. Thaw’s breakthrough role came with the gritty police drama “The Sweeney” (1975–1978), where he played the tough, no-nonsense Detective Inspector Jack Regan. However, it was his portrayal of the introspective and highly intelligent Inspector Morse in the long-running series “Inspector Morse” (1987–2000) that cemented his status as a television icon. His nuanced performance won him numerous awards and critical acclaim. In addition to his television work, Thaw appeared in various films and stage productions, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1993 for his services to drama. John Thaw passed away on February 21, 2002, after a battle with esophageal cancer. He left behind a legacy of remarkable performances and is remembered as one of the greatest British actors of his time.

5 Interesting Facts about John Thaw

1. John Thaw was awarded the British Academy Television Award (BAFTA) for Best Actor twice, once in 1990 and again in 1993.

2. Despite his tough on-screen persona, Thaw was known to be a very private and gentle person in real life.

3. He struggled with a pronounced limp, which was a result of a childhood accident, but he often downplayed it in his roles.

4. Thaw was married to actress Sheila Hancock, and they co-starred in several projects together.

5. He was posthumously awarded a Fellowship of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) in 2002.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Thaw

1. “Acting is something I love to do. I love getting into the minds of characters and bringing them to life.”

2. “The character of Morse is a man of great intelligence and sensitivity, and it’s been a privilege to play him.”

3. “I think the most important thing in acting is to be truthful and to make the audience believe in the character.”

4. “I don’t think I’ll ever retire from acting; it’s too much a part of who I am.”

5. “Facing challenges and overcoming them is what makes life interesting and rewarding.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, John Thaw’s net worth was estimated to be around £5 million.

Children

John Thaw had three daughters. Abigail Thaw, his eldest daughter from his first marriage, is also an actress. He had two daughters with Sheila Hancock: Melanie Thaw, who is a producer, and Joanna Thaw, who has largely stayed out of the public eye.