Posted on 02/21/2002 6:18:07 PM PST by aculeus
JOHN THAW, one of British television's best loved actors, died yesterday after a long battle with cancer.
The star of the television series Inspector Morse and The Sweeney had been undergoing treatment for cancer of the oesophagus.
John Thaw and co-star Dennis Waterman in The Sweeney He died at his home in Luckington, Wilts, with his wife, the actress Sheila Hancock, and their family at his bedside.
Thaw, 60, who was reportedly once a heavy smoker, had asked the media to respect his privacy and that of his family during his treatment and what he hoped would be his recovery.
Fourteen years ago, Miss Hancock was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had an operation to remove a lump and underwent radiotherapy and has since recovered.
In a statement released through Marshall Stewart, a family friend, she said: "We have all been so grateful for the thousands of letters and messages from people wishing him well.
"Everyone including the media have been wonderful during this difficult period and I would like them all to know how much their support and understanding has meant to him and to all of us."
David Liddiment, ITV's director of channels, said: "He was the consummate television actor. He'll be sorely missed."
Thaw, who earned £2.3 million a year, was to have appeared in further episodes of the legal drama Kavanagh QC. However it was as the cantankerous Oxford detective Morse, that he won most fame.
A fine actor. God rest him.
Rest in Peace John Thaw...You were a great performer.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.