English actor Barry Foster, standing at an exact 5ft 7 ½ (171.5 cm), brought a grounded, everyman presence to his memorable roles. His precise height perfectly suited the relatable stature of Dutch detective Van der Valk in the acclaimed TV series, allowing him to command scenes with understated authority. This average build enhanced his chilling portrayal of murderer Bob Rusk in Alfred Hitchcock's Frenzy, as well as characters in films like Inspector Clouseau, Ryan's Daughter, The Whistle Blower, and The Wild Geese, where his height contributed to authentic depictions of ordinary men thrust into extraordinary circumstances.