John Thaw defined two of British television's most iconic detectives. He first made his name as the hard-bitten, tough-talking Detective Inspector Jack Regan in the police drama The Sweeney (1975–1978), before finding his most celebrated role as the classical-music-loving, real-ale-drinking Detective Chief Inspector Morse in Inspector Morse (1987–2000). The series brought him international recognition and multiple BAFTA awards, reaching peak audiences of 18 million viewers in the mid-1990s. Alongside his television work, Thaw maintained an extensive career in theatre and film throughout his life.