John Thaw, 60; Starred as Popular ‘Inspector Morse’

John Thaw, known to millions of TV viewers worldwide as the grumpy, music-loving detective in “Inspector Morse,” died Thursday at his home in London. He was 60 and had been battling throat cancer.

Thaw was a respected stage actor and had been a leading television actor for many years. But he was indelibly identified with “Inspector Morse” after creating a complex character whose flaws appealed to fans as much as his better qualities did.

The highly praised British series began in 1985 and lasted for 33 two-hour episodes that aired over 15 years. “Inspector Morse” had a 13-year run in the United States on PBS’ “Mystery” series, beginning in 1988, and was shown in many other countries.

Thaw announced last June that he was undergoing treatment for cancer of the throat, but said that he intended to get back to work.

“He loved work,” said “Morse” creator Colin Dexter. “He was a perfectionist.... That’s how I will remember him, I think, giving 100%.”

David Liddiment of ITV, the network that broadcast “Morse,” said after learning of the actor’s death, “Throughout his distinguished career, John understood the power of the small screen. He was the consummate television actor.”

Thaw was born in Manchester, northern England, the son of a long-distance truck driver. His mother left the family when he was 7.

After leaving school, Thaw worked as a baker and a laborer until a teacher who had seen him in school plays encouraged him to audition for the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. He won admission at 17.

His career began with a number of stage roles, followed by television work--often as a policeman.

His first big success came as a belligerent, foul-mouthed cop in “The Sweeney,” a popular police series that started in 1975 and lasted three years.

Thaw’s marriage to actress Sheila Hancock in 1973 was his second and her first. Between them, they had three daughters--Melanie Jane, from Hancock’s first marriage, Abigail from Thaw’s first marriage, and Joanne. All three survive.

Thaw was honored in 1993 as a Commander of the Order of British Empire and last year won a British Academy Television Awards fellowship. He received the academy’s best actor award in 1990 and 1993 for “Inspector Morse.”

Funeral plans were not immediately available.