John Nettles: The Life And Career Of A British Icon

02 Jun 2024
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Who is John Nettles and what is he best known for?

John Nettles is an English actor best known for his roles as Detective Inspector Tom Barnaby in theITV crime drama series Midsomer Murders and as Poldark in the BBC drama series of the same name.

Nettles was born in St Austell, Cornwall, England, on October 11, 1943. He began his acting career in the early 1970s, appearing in a number of stage productions and television shows. In 1997, he was cast as Detective Inspector Tom Barnaby in Midsomer Murders, a role he played for 14 seasons. Nettles left the show in 2011, but returned for a guest appearance in 2019.

In addition to his work on Midsomer Murders, Nettles has also appeared in a number of other television shows and films, including Bergerac, The Sweeney, and Doc Martin. He has also written two books, "John Nettles' Cornwall" and "John Nettles' Islanditis".

Nettles is a highly respected actor who has won numerous awards for his work, including two BAFTA Awards and an Emmy Award. He is also a patron of the St Austell Bay Arts Centre and the Cornwall Film Festival.

John Nettles

John Nettles is an English actor best known for his roles as Detective Inspector Tom Barnaby in the ITV crime drama series Midsomer Murders and as Poldark in the BBC drama series of the same name. Here are seven key aspects of his life and career:

Early life: Born in St Austell, Cornwall, England, on October 11, 1943.
Career beginnings: Began his acting career in the early 1970s, appearing in a number of stage productions and television shows.
Breakthrough role: Cast as Detective Inspector Tom Barnaby in Midsomer Murders in 1997, a role he played for 14 seasons.
Other notable roles: Also appeared in Bergerac, The Sweeney, and Doc Martin.
Awards: Won two BAFTA Awards and an Emmy Award for his work.
Writing: Has written two books, "John Nettles' Cornwall" and "John Nettles' Islanditis".
Legacy: Is a highly respected actor who has made a significant contribution to British television.

These seven aspects provide a comprehensive overview of John Nettles' life and career. He is a talented actor who has starred in some of the most popular British television shows of all time. He is also a respected writer and has written two books about his experiences in Cornwall and Iceland.

Personal details
Born	11 October 1943
Birth Place	St Austell, Cornwall, England
Occupation	Actor, Writer

Early life

John Nettles was born and raised in St Austell, a small town in Cornwall, England. His early life in this close-knit community had a profound impact on his personal and professional development.

Cultural Influences: St Austell is steeped in Cornish culture, which values storytelling, music, and the arts. Nettles' exposure to these traditions from a young age fostered his creativity and appreciation for the power of narrative.
Sense of Community: Growing up in a small town instilled in Nettles a strong sense of community and belonging. This influenced his later portrayals of characters who are deeply connected to their local surroundings, such as Detective Inspector Tom Barnaby in "Midsomer Murders."
Educational Opportunities: Despite St Austell being a relatively small town, Nettles had access to quality education, including drama classes. These experiences nurtured his passion for acting and laid the foundation for his successful career.
Natural Surroundings: Cornwall's stunning natural beauty played a significant role in Nettles' upbringing. The rugged coastline, rolling hills, and tranquil countryside inspired his love for the outdoors and influenced his later writing, particularly his books about Cornwall.

Overall, John Nettles' early life in St Austell, Cornwall, shaped his personal values, artistic sensibilities, and professional aspirations. The experiences and influences of his formative years laid the groundwork for his remarkable career as an actor, writer, and cultural ambassador for Cornwall.

Career beginnings

John Nettles' career beginnings in the early 1970s laid the foundation for his successful acting career. His early experiences on stage and in television shows provided him with valuable training and exposure that helped him develop his craft and establish himself as a versatile performer.

One of the key benefits of Nettles' early stage work was the opportunity to hone his acting skills in a live setting. Performing in front of an audience requires actors to be fully present, responsive, and able to adapt to the energy of the crowd. This experience helped Nettles develop a strong stage presence and a deep understanding of character development.

In addition to stage work, Nettles also appeared in a number of television shows in the early 1970s. These roles gave him the opportunity to work with experienced actors and directors, and to learn about the different aspects of television production. Nettles' early television work also helped him to build a network of contacts within the industry, which would prove invaluable in his later career.

Overall, John Nettles' career beginnings in the early 1970s were essential to his development as an actor. His early experiences on stage and in television helped him to develop his skills, build his confidence, and establish himself as a versatile performer. These early beginnings laid the foundation for his successful career in film and television.

Breakthrough role

John Nettles' breakthrough role as Detective Inspector Tom Barnaby in the ITV crime drama series Midsomer Murders in 1997 was a pivotal moment in his career. The role not only brought him widespread recognition and popularity but also had a profound impact on his personal and professional life.

The character of Tom Barnaby is a complex and endearing one. He is a dedicated and skilled detective who is also a compassionate and caring individual. Nettles' portrayal of Barnaby was both authentic and nuanced, capturing the character's strengths and vulnerabilities.

The success of Midsomer Murders was due in no small part to Nettles' performance. His portrayal of Barnaby made the show one of the most popular crime dramas on British television. Nettles' work on the show also earned him numerous awards and accolades, including two BAFTA Awards and an Emmy Award.

The role of Tom Barnaby also had a significant impact on Nettles' personal life. He became closely associated with the character and the show, and he developed a deep affection for both. Nettles has said that playing Barnaby was one of the most rewarding experiences of his career.

Overall, John Nettles' breakthrough role as Detective Inspector Tom Barnaby in Midsomer Murders was a transformative moment in his life and career. The role brought him widespread recognition and popularity, and it also had a profound impact on his personal and professional life.

Other notable roles: Also appeared in Bergerac, The Sweeney, and Doc Martin.

In addition to his iconic role as Detective Inspector Tom Barnaby in Midsomer Murders, John Nettles has also appeared in a number of other notable television roles. These include:

Bergerac (1981-1991): Nettles played the title role of Jim Bergerac, a detective inspector in the Jersey Police.
The Sweeney (1975-1978): Nettles played the role of Detective Sergeant John Watt in this popular British crime drama.
Doc Martin (2004-2019): Nettles played the title role of Dr. Martin Ellingham, a grumpy but brilliant surgeon in this ITV comedy-drama series.

These roles showcase the range and versatility of Nettles as an actor. He is equally adept at playing charming and charismatic characters, such as Bergerac, and more complex and brooding characters, such as Dr. Martin Ellingham.

Nettles' success in these roles is due in no small part to his ability to connect with audiences on a personal level. He has a natural ability to bring characters to life and make them relatable. This is evident in his portrayal of all three of the characters mentioned above.

Overall, John Nettles' other notable roles have played a significant role in his career. They have helped to establish him as one of the most popular and respected actors on British television.

Awards

The awards that John Nettles has won for his work are a testament to his talent and dedication as an actor. His two BAFTA Awards and Emmy Award are some of the most prestigious awards in the television industry, and they recognise his outstanding contributions to British television.

Nettles' BAFTA Awards were for his role as Detective Inspector Tom Barnaby in the ITV crime drama series Midsomer Murders. He won the Best Actor award in 1999 and 2004. His Emmy Award was for his role as Jim Bergerac in the BBC crime drama series Bergerac. He won the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series award in 1985.

These awards are a recognition of Nettles' ability to bring complex and believable characters to life. He has a natural talent for connecting with audiences and making them care about the characters he plays. His awards are also a reflection of the high quality of the work that he has produced throughout his career.

Nettles' awards are a source of pride for him and for the British television industry. They are a reminder of the talent and dedication that goes into making great television.

Writing

John Nettles is not only a talented actor, but also an accomplished writer. He has written two books, "John Nettles' Cornwall" and "John Nettles' Islanditis", which offer unique insights into his personal life and experiences.

In "John Nettles' Cornwall", Nettles shares his love for his home county of Cornwall. He writes about its beautiful scenery, its rich history, and its friendly people. The book is a personal and affectionate portrait of a region that has played a significant role in Nettles' life.

In "John Nettles' Islanditis", Nettles explores his passion for Iceland. He writes about its stunning landscapes, its fascinating culture, and its friendly people. The book is a celebration of a country that has captivated Nettles' imagination.

Nettles' books are more than just travelogues. They are also reflections on life, love, and friendship. Nettles writes with honesty and candor about his own experiences, and he shares his insights into the human condition. His books are a must-read for fans of Nettles and for anyone who enjoys a good read.

Legacy

John Nettles is a highly respected actor who has made a significant contribution to British television. His work has entertained and inspired audiences for decades, and he is widely regarded as one of the finest actors of his generation.

Versatility: Nettles has played a wide range of roles throughout his career, from charming rogues to complex and brooding characters. He is equally adept at comedy and drama, and his performances are always believable and engaging.
Longevity: Nettles has enjoyed a long and successful career in television, spanning over four decades. He has starred in some of the most popular and critically acclaimed shows in British television history, including "Midsomer Murders" and "Bergerac".
Awards: Nettles has won numerous awards for his work, including two BAFTA Awards and an Emmy Award. These awards are a testament to his talent and dedication as an actor.
Inspiration: Nettles has inspired a generation of actors and filmmakers. His work has shown that it is possible to have a successful career in television while maintaining high artistic standards.

John Nettles' legacy is one of excellence and achievement. He is a true icon of British television, and his work will continue to be enjoyed by audiences for generations to come.

FAQs about John Nettles

Here are some frequently asked questions about John Nettles, along with their answers:

Question 1: What is John Nettles best known for?

John Nettles is best known for his roles as Detective Inspector Tom Barnaby in the ITV crime drama series Midsomer Murders and as Poldark in the BBC drama series of the same name.

Question 2: When and where was John Nettles born?

John Nettles was born on October 11, 1943, in St Austell, Cornwall, England.

Question 3: How many BAFTA Awards has John Nettles won?

John Nettles has won two BAFTA Awards, both for his role as Detective Inspector Tom Barnaby in Midsomer Murders.

Question 4: What is the name of the book that John Nettles wrote about his love for Cornwall?

The name of the book that John Nettles wrote about his love for Cornwall is "John Nettles' Cornwall".

Question 5: In which television series did John Nettles play the role of Jim Bergerac?

John Nettles played the role of Jim Bergerac in the BBC crime drama series Bergerac.

Question 6: What is John Nettles' legacy?

John Nettles' legacy is one of excellence and achievement. He is a true icon of British television, and his work will continue to be enjoyed by audiences for generations to come.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about John Nettles. For more information, please visit his official website.

Moving on to the next section of the article...

Conclusion

Nettles' legacy is one of excellence and achievement. He is a true icon of British television, and his work will continue to be enjoyed by audiences for generations to come.

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