Kevin Whately, the well-known actor from the famous British crime drama Inspector Morse, has received an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) award. The honor was given during a ceremony at Windsor Castle this Wednesday. The 74-year-old actor was recognized for his services to drama and charity.
Whately is best known for playing Robbie Lewis, the loyal partner to John Thaw’s Inspector Morse. The show, filmed in the historic city of Oxford, ran from 1987 to 2000. He later continued this role in the popular sequel series Lewis, alongside actor Laurence Fox. Lewis aired from 2006 to 2015, keeping the Oxford-based mysteries alive for a new audience.
A Familiar Face in Oxford
For years, Kevin Whately became a familiar sight in Oxford’s streets, often seen chatting with fans and visitors during filming breaks. His friendly nature made him popular not just on screen, but also with the local community.
The actor, originally from Cumbria, reflected warmly on his career during the ceremony. He shared that although he is now retired, he is enjoying life and has no plans to return to acting. “I was never very ambitious and I’m really enjoying not doing very much,” Whately said, adding, “I don’t miss getting up at five o’clock in the morning. I can do it occasionally but not every day, which is what we used to do.”
Conversations with Princess Anne
During the OBE ceremony, Whately had the chance to speak with Princess Anne, who presented the award. The two discussed retirement, as they are of a similar age. Whately recalled working with one of the Princess Royal’s animal charities in the past. “We had a little bit to talk about,” he noted.
From Comedy to Crime Dramas
Kevin Whately first gained national attention in the early 1980s as Neville Hope in the hit comedy series Auf Wiedersehen, Pet. The show followed British construction workers in Germany and became a cult favorite. However, it was his role in Inspector Morse that truly defined his career.
In the series, Whately played the honest and dependable Detective Sergeant Robbie Lewis. His character supported the brilliant yet gruff Inspector Morse, portrayed by the late John Thaw. The chemistry between the two made the show a long-standing success on British television.
When Inspector Morse ended, Whately continued the story through Lewis. The spin-off focused on his character’s own investigations in Oxford, this time as a detective inspector. The series ran for nine seasons and drew millions of viewers.
Charity and Community Support
Beyond acting, Kevin Whately has supported various charities over the years. He is involved with Action for Children, a UK-based charity that helps vulnerable young people. He also supports the Wavendon Foundation, which aids aspiring actors and singers by offering scholarships to drama schools and conservatories.
These contributions to drama and charity were key reasons behind his OBE recognition.
Retirement and Reflections
At 74, Kevin Whately now enjoys a quiet retirement. He spoke openly about the peace he finds in his new routine. “I have nothing to flog,” he joked during the ceremony, suggesting he is not looking for new projects or publicity.
Whately also noted that he doesn’t miss the long days of television production. While he enjoyed his years in the spotlight, he feels content stepping back and focusing on personal interests and charity work.
A Lasting Legacy
Though Kevin Whately may no longer appear on screen, his legacy in British television remains strong. His performances in Inspector Morse and Lewis introduced Oxford’s picturesque streets and colleges to viewers around the world.
Both series boosted local tourism in Oxford, with many fans still visiting filming locations today. Whately’s friendly nature and dedication to his work left a lasting mark on the city and its people.
