John Nettles is a British actor and author, best known for his role as Detective Chief Inspector Jim Bergerac in the television series Bergerac, which aired from 1981 to 1991. He was born on October 11, 1943, in St. Austell, Cornwall, England. Nettles has also appeared in various other television shows and films, showcasing his versatile acting skills. In addition to acting, Nettles has written several books, including works on history and crime fiction. He gained further recognition for his role as Tom Barnaby in the long-running detective series Midsomer Murders, which began in 1997 and solidified his status as a prominent figure in British television.