Who Is John Thaw? Age, Biography and Wiki
John Thaw was born on January 3, 1942, in Salford, England. He rose to fame as one of the most respected actors in the UK, best known for his roles in the police procedural television series "Inspector Morse" and the wartime drama "The Sweeney." Thaw's exceptional talent and dedication to his craft left an indelible mark on British television and theatre, cementing his status as a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Sadly, John Thaw passed away on February 21, 2002, but his legacy continues to influence aspiring actors and entertain fans worldwide.
| Occupation | Stage Actor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 3, 1942 |
| Age | 60 Years |
| Birth Place | Gorton, Manchester, England |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 21 February, 2002 |
| Died Place | Luckington, Wiltshire, England |
Popularity
John Thaw's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Though specific details about Thaw's height and weight during his lifetime may not be widely known, he was typically described as having a commanding on-screen presence. His build was considered to be strong and sturdy, which suited many of the roles he portrayed throughout his diverse acting career.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
John Thaw was married twice during his lifetime. His first marriage was to actress Sheila Hancock in 1973, with whom he had two daughters, Abigail and Melissa. The couple remained together until Thaw's passing. He also had a previous marriage to the actress, who was also a significant figure in his life, but it was later annulled. In his personal life, he was known for his deep love for his family, often prioritizing them above his professional commitments.
Born in Gorton, Manchester, to John Edward ("Jack") Thaw, a tool-setter at the Fairey Aviation Company aircraft factory, later a long-distance lorry driver, and Dorothy (née Ablott). Dorothy left when he was seven years old. He and his younger brother, Raymond Stuart (Ray) had a difficult childhood due to their father's long absences.
Thaw grew up in Gorton and Burnage, attending the Ducie Technical High School for Boys, gaining just one O Level. He entered the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) at the age of 16 (two years underage), and won the Academy's Vanburgh Award. Ray emigrated to Australia in the mid-1960s.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, John Thaw had an estimated net worth of around $10 million. This wealth was amassed through his successful acting career spanning over four decades, featuring numerous acclaimed films and television shows. His ability to portray complex characters resonated with audiences, earning him both critical acclaim and commercial success.
Career, Business and Investments
John Thaw's career began in the theatre, where he honed his craft before transitioning to film and television. He achieved widespread fame with the role of Detective Chief Inspector Morse in the series "Inspector Morse," which ran from 1987 to 2000. Thaw's portrayal of the brilliant yet flawed detective garnered him numerous awards, including BAFTA nominations and wins.
In addition to his notable television roles, Thaw appeared in films like "The Sweeney" (1975) and "Goodnight Mister Tom" (1998), showcasing his versatility as an actor. Though investments and business ventures were not heavily documented, Thaw’s involvement in education and theatre continued to be part of his legacy.
Social Network
While John Thaw did not have social media profiles as we know them today, his work continues to be celebrated on various platforms. Fans honor his contributions and discuss his roles through dedicated fan pages and social media communities focusing on classic British television and film.
Thaw's role as Detective Chief Inspector Endeavour Morse in Inspector Morse (1987–93, with later specials until 2000), cemented his fame.
Alongside his put-upon Detective Sergeant Robert "Robbie" Lewis (Kevin Whately), Morse became a high-profile character—"a cognitive curmudgeon with his love of classical music, his drinking, his classic Jaguar and spates of melancholy".
According to The Guardian, "Thaw was the definitive Morse, grumpy, crossword-fixated, drunk, slightly anti-feminist, and pedantic about grammar." Inspector Morse became one of the UK's most popular TV series; at its peak in the mid-'90s, ratings hit 18 million people, about one third of the British population.
He won "Most Popular Actor" at the 1999 National Television Awards and won two BAFTA awards for his role as Morse.
Education
John Thaw attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), where he developed his skills and passion for acting. His education played a pivotal role in shaping his career, providing him with the tools necessary to succeed in the competitive world of performing arts.
He subsequently played liberal working-class Lancastrian barrister James Kavanagh in Kavanagh QC (1995–99, and a special in 2001). Thaw also appeared in two sitcoms—Thick as Thieves (London Weekend/ITV, 1974) with Bob Hoskins and Home to Roost (Yorkshire/ITV, 1985–90).
Thaw is mainly known in America for the Morse series, as well as the BBC series A Year in Provence (1993) with Lindsay Duncan.
