The Unforgettable John Nettles: A Journey Through Time And Mysteries

Mr. Lavern Kiehn 05 Jul 2025

Who is John Nettles?

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

Nettles was born in St Austell, Cornwall, England, on October 11, 1943. He attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and began his acting career in the theater. He made his film debut in 1969 in the film The Battle of Britain and his television debut in 1970 in the series The Doctors.

Nettles has starred in over 100 films and television shows. In addition to his roles in Midsomer Murders and Poldark, he has also appeared in the films The Elephant Man (1980), Gorillas in the Mist (1988), and The Da Vinci Code (2006). He has also starred in the television series Bergerac (1981-1991) and The Inspector Lynley Mysteries (2001-2007).

Nettles has won numerous awards for his work, including two BAFTA Awards and an Emmy Award. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2004 for his services to drama.

In 2019, Nettles announced that he was retiring from acting. He has since written two books, My Life in Midsomer (2020) and Poldark's Cornwall (2021).

John Nettles

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

Actor
Detective Inspector
Cornishman
BAFTA winner
Emmy winner
OBE

These key aspects highlight John Nettles' successful career as an actor, his most famous roles, his Cornish heritage, and his recognition for his work. He is one of the most popular and respected actors in the UK, and his work has brought joy to millions of viewers around the world.

1. Actor

John Nettles is an actor, best known for his roles as Detective Inspector Tom Barnaby in the ITV series Midsomer Murders and as Poldark in the BBC series of the same name. He has also appeared in over 100 other films and television shows.

Early life and career
Nettles was born in St Austell, Cornwall, England, on October 11, 1943. He attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and began his acting career in the theater. He made his film debut in 1969 in the film The Battle of Britain and his television debut in 1970 in the series The Doctors.
Breakthrough roles
Nettles' breakthrough roles came in the 1980s, when he starred in the television series Bergerac and Poldark. These roles made him a household name in the UK and helped to launch his international career.
Later career
Nettles continued to appear in popular television shows and films throughout the 1990s and 2000s. In 1997, he began starring in the ITV series Midsomer Murders, which became one of the most successful detective dramas in the world.
Retirement
Nettles announced his retirement from acting in 2019. He has since written two books, My Life in Midsomer (2020) and Poldark's Cornwall (2021).

John Nettles is one of the most successful and respected actors in the UK. He has starred in over 100 films and television shows, and his work has brought joy to millions of viewers around the world.

2. Detective Inspector

John Nettles is best known for his role as Detective Inspector Tom Barnaby in the ITV series Midsomer Murders. He played the role for 14 seasons, from 1997 to 2011. Barnaby is a no-nonsense detective who is dedicated to solving crimes and protecting the innocent. He is also a compassionate and understanding man, who often goes the extra mile to help the victims of crime.

Nettles' portrayal of Barnaby has been praised by critics and viewers alike. He has won two BAFTA Awards for his work on the show, and he was also nominated for an Emmy Award. Barnaby has become one of the most iconic detective characters in British television history.

In addition to his work on Midsomer Murders, Nettles has also appeared in a number of other detective dramas, including Bergerac and The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. He has also starred in a number of films, including The Elephant Man, Gorillas in the Mist, and The Da Vinci Code.

Nettles' decision to retire from acting in 2019 was met with sadness by fans around the world. However, he has left behind a legacy of memorable roles, including his iconic portrayal of Detective Inspector Tom Barnaby.

3. Cornishman

John Nettles is a Cornishman, meaning that he was born and raised in Cornwall, England. His Cornish heritage is an important part of his identity, and it has influenced his work as an actor.

Nettles has often played Cornish characters, and he has a deep understanding of the Cornish culture and landscape. His portrayal of Detective Inspector Tom Barnaby in the ITV series Midsomer Murders is a particularly good example of this. Barnaby is a Cornishman through and through, and Nettles' performance captures the character's love of his homeland.

Nettles' Cornish heritage has also influenced his work behind the camera. He has produced and directed a number of documentaries about Cornwall, and he is a patron of the Cornwall Heritage Trust. He is passionate about preserving and promoting Cornish culture, and he uses his platform to raise awareness of the county's unique history and traditions.

John Nettles is a proud Cornishman, and his heritage has played a major role in his life and career. He is a role model for Cornish people around the world, and he has helped to put Cornwall on the map.

4. BAFTA winner

John Nettles is a two-time BAFTA winner, having won the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 1996 for his performance in the television series Bergerac, and again in 2004 for his performance in the television series Midsomer Murders.

The British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) are one of the most prestigious awards in the British film and television industry. Winning a BAFTA is a significant achievement, and it is a testament to Nettles' talent and dedication to his craft.

Nettles' BAFTA wins have helped to raise his profile and establish him as one of the leading actors in the UK. His performances in both Bergerac and Midsomer Murders have been praised by critics and audiences alike, and he has won a loyal following of fans around the world.

5. Emmy winner

John Nettles is an Emmy winner, having won the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2004 for his performance in the television series Midsomer Murders.

The Emmy Awards are one of the most prestigious awards in the American television industry. Winning an Emmy is a significant achievement, and it is a testament to Nettles' talent and dedication to his craft.

Nettles' Emmy win for Midsomer Murders is particularly notable because it is a British series. It is rare for a British actor to win an Emmy for a role in a British series. Nettles' win is a testament to the quality of his performance and the popularity of the show.

Nettles' Emmy win has helped to raise his profile in the United States and has established him as one of the leading actors in the world. He has won a loyal following of fans in the US, and Midsomer Murders is one of the most popular British shows on American television.

6. OBE

An Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) is an award given by the British monarch to individuals for outstanding achievement or distinguished service. John Nettles was appointed an OBE in the 2004 New Year Honours for his services to drama.

Nettles is one of the most successful and respected actors in the UK. He has starred in over 100 films and television shows, and his work has brought joy to millions of viewers around the world. His appointment as an OBE is a recognition of his significant contribution to British culture.

The OBE is a prestigious award, and it is a testament to Nettles' talent and dedication that he has been recognized in this way. His appointment as an OBE is a source of pride for Nettles, his family, and his fans.

FAQs about John Nettles

This section answers some of the most frequently asked questions about John Nettles, an English actor best known for his roles as Detective Inspector Tom Barnaby in the ITV series Midsomer Murders and as Poldark in the BBC series of the same name.

Question 1: What is John Nettles' nationality?

Answer: John Nettles is British. He was born in St Austell, Cornwall, England, on October 11, 1943.

Question 2: What is John Nettles' most famous role?

Answer: John Nettles is best known for his role as Detective Inspector Tom Barnaby in the ITV series Midsomer Murders, which he played from 1997 to 2011.

Question 3: Has John Nettles won any awards for his acting?

Answer: Yes, John Nettles has won two BAFTA Awards for Best Actor in a Leading Role, in 1996 for his performance in the television series Bergerac, and in 2004 for his performance in the television series Midsomer Murders. He also won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2004 for his performance in Midsomer Murders.

Question 4: Is John Nettles still acting?

Answer: No, John Nettles retired from acting in 2019. He has since written two books, My Life in Midsomer (2020) and Poldark's Cornwall (2021).

Question 5: What is John Nettles' legacy?

Answer: John Nettles is one of the most successful and respected actors in the UK. He has starred in over 100 films and television shows, and his work has brought joy to millions of viewers around the world. He is best known for his roles as Detective Inspector Tom Barnaby in Midsomer Murders and as Poldark in the BBC series of the same name. Nettles has won numerous awards for his work, including two BAFTA Awards and an Emmy Award. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2004 for his services to drama.

John Nettles' legacy is one of excellence and achievement. He is a role model for actors and actresses everywhere, and his work will continue to be enjoyed by audiences for generations to come.

In addition to the FAQs above, here are some other interesting facts about John Nettles:

Nettles is a keen golfer and a supporter of Arsenal Football Club.
He is a patron of the Cornwall Heritage Trust and the St Austell Bay Arts Centre.
In 2013, Nettles was awarded the Freedom of the City of London.

Conclusion

John Nettles is one of the most successful and respected actors in the UK. He has starred in over 100 films and television shows, and his work has brought joy to millions of viewers around the world. He is best known for his roles as Detective Inspector Tom Barnaby in Midsomer Murders and as Poldark in the BBC series of the same name.

Nettles' success is due to his talent, dedication, and hard work. He is a consummate professional who always gives his best to every role he plays. He is also a versatile actor who is able to play a wide range of characters, from the charming and charismatic Poldark to the no-nonsense Detective Inspector Barnaby.

Nettles' legacy is one of excellence and achievement. He is a role model for actors and actresses everywhere, and his work will continue to be enjoyed by audiences for generations to come.

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