Early Life
Thaw came from a working class background, having been born in Longsight, Manchester, Lancashire (then moved to nearby Gorton) to parents John and Dorothy (née Ablott). His father was a long distance lorry driver. He had a difficult childhood as his mother left when he was seven years old and he didn't see her again until 12 years later. His younger brother, Raymond Stuart "Ray" emigrated to Australia in the mid-1960s.
Thaw grew up in the Burnage area of the city, and attended Ducie Technical High School for Boys. Thaw entered the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art at the age of 16, where he was a contemporary of Tom Courtenay.
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