Biography

Norman Colin Dexter was an English writer, best known for the Inspector Morse series of novels. His parents were Alfred and Dorothy Dexter, his father run a small taxi company. He had a brother, John, and a sister, Avril. He attended St. John's Infants School, Bluecoat Junior School, and then - gaining a scholarship - Stamford School.

After graduation, Dexter served in the Royal Corps of Signals as his national service. He then studied Classics at Christ's College, Cambridge, which he graduated in 1953, followed by receiving a master's degree in 1958. He worked a teacher in various schools from 1954 to 1966, when an onset of deafness forced him to change jobs. He then worked as a senior assistant secretary at the University of Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations until his retirement in 1988. In 1972 Dexter published his first mystery fiction book, entitled Last Bus to Woodstock. The book introduced the character of inspector Morse, who appeared in further 12 novels written by Dexter. In 1987 the first episode of a screen adaptation of the novels, Inspector Morse (1987), was aired. The show run for seven seasons followed by five special episodes, the last one of which aired in 2000. It was followed by a spin-off entitled Inspector Lewis (2006) and a prequel entitled Endeavour (2012). Dexter was involved in the making of all these shows and had small cameos in most episodes.

His writings received a number of awards from the Crime Writers' Association and in 2000 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to literature. He was married to Dorothy Cooper from 1956 until his death; they had daughter, Sally, and a son, Jeremy. Dexter died on 21 March 2017 in Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, UK.

Writer

Endeavour(2012)

Inspector Lewis(2006)

Masterpiece Mystery(1980)

Inspector Morse: Rest in Peace(2000)

Inspector Morse(1987)

Actor

Endeavour(2012)as Audience Member at Piano Recital, Cello player, Don Dining at Hall, Don at Booth Hill Debate, Don on Bench at College, Don on Bench outside Beaufort College, Gentleman in College Chapel, Gentleman on Bench at College, Gentleman on Bus, Pub Customer, Visitor at Museum

Inspector Lewis(2006)as Academic, College Porter, Customer at Sidewalk Cafe, Customer in coffee shop window, Diner, Man Leaving The Randolph, Man Talking to Innocent at Party, Man at Merton College Entrance, Man in wheelchair in gallery, Man talking with Marcus Harding in courtyard, Oxford Don in Dining Room, Pedestrian, Visitor at Ashmolean, don walking on quad towards Hathaway and Stoker

Inspector Morse(1987)as College porter showing Morse and Lewis to John Brewster, Doctor sitting on next bed to Jane in final scene, Man Behind Morse in Chapters Bar, Man Drinking in Syndicate in Opening Scene, Man Passing Morse when Visiting Murdock, Man Walking Behind Lewis and Roland in College, Man at Concert in Opening, Man at Conference, Man at Reception After Schubert Concert, Man at Trout Inn when Morse meets Barbara Redpath, Man behind Morse in Crowther's lecture, Man in Sheldonian Theatre Behind Lord Hinksey, Man in Wheelchair, Man in chapel at funeral, Man in choir next to Morse, Man in college grounds when Hilary Dobson goes in for interview, Man in college porter's lodge when Morse leaves after dinner with Jerome Hogg, Man in group when Ian Matthews presents Morse with postcard, Man in launderette with Tim Ablett and Angie Howe, Man in prison church when Brian Thornton preaches, Man next to Dr. Collier at presentation, Man sitting near the Master in the opening scene, Man three seats to Morse's left in closing opera scene, Man walking across quad when Morse visits Sheila Phillipson in library, Man walking along canal bank in opening scene, Man with Bike Woman, Mr. Humphreys, Tramp Drinking from Bottle Near Mitre Pub, Vicar at College Dinner

Additional Crew

Endeavour(2012)

Self

The Crime Thriller Club(2013)as Self

Crime Connections(2012)as Self - Author & Creator 'Inspector Morse', Self - Author & Creator, 'Inspector Morse'

The Unforgettable John Thaw(2012)as Self

The A to Z of Crime(2011)as Self

The Culture Show(2004)as Self

Known for

Inspector Lewis2006 · Writer Inspector Morse1987 · Writer Masterpiece Mystery1980 · Writer Endeavour2012 · Writer

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