John Thaw, precisely 5ft 8 ½ (174 cm) tall, was a British actor whose average stature enhanced his everyman appeal in authoritative roles, making characters like detectives feel accessibly tough and relatable.
- Best remembered as Inspector Morse in the long-running TV series, where his 174 cm frame lent a shrewd, grounded intensity to the cerebral policeman.
- Starred as the no-nonsense Jack Regan in The Sweeney, his firm 5ft 8 ½ build embodying the gritty, street-smart cop.
- Led Kavanagh QC as a principled barrister, his height contributing to a commanding yet human courtroom presence.
Born to working-class parents in Gorton, Manchester, Thaw's career spanned TV, stage, and film, with his exact height central to his rugged, seductive screen image.