David Jason: biography

Sir David Jason is a British actor. Most famous for his role in Only Fools and Horses, he has been part of the British TV and film industry for more than 40 years.

Beginnings

Born on 2 February 1940 David John White, better known as David Jason entered the world. He originally trained as an electrician when leaving school but eventually talked his way into repertory theatre. At just 15 years old, people saw his talent when he was warmly praised for his part in "Roberts Wife" the press cutting read: "the extraordinarily precocious schoolboy by David White, looking like a young James Cagney, and playing, though only 16, with the ease of a born actor.... possibly the highlight of the evening" In 1964 he got his first TV part playing Bert Bradshaw in Crossroads. Over the years his name in the industry grew and he was even considered for the part of Jones in Dad's Army.

Career

In 1973 his career really took an up turn as he took the part of Granville in Open All Hours working alongside Ronnie Barker. They did 4 series of the comedy and he also starred in Porridge with Barker. In 1981 he played the part of his most enduring character "Del Boy" in Only Fools And Horses. Famous for his catchphrase "This time next year Rodney we'll be millionaires" the series followed the ups and downs of the Trotter brothers until 2003. In that time they had managed to become millionaires but then lost it all again. During this time he'd also taken on several other roles including the part of Detective Jack Frost in "A Touch Of Frost" which he played the character for
11 years. He also played the part of Pop Larkin in the TV adaptation of The Darling Buds Of May alongside Pam Ferris who played his wife and a young Catherine Zeta Jones. He is also an astonishing voice actor and is well known for his parts in many cartoons from the Cosgrove and Hall animation studios amongst others. He was the voice of Danger Mouse, Count Duckula, Toad in the Wind In The Willows and many others and is still putting his vocal talents to good use now in Muddle Earth.

Achievements

Over the years Jason has won many awards including BAFTA for his many roles including a fellowship which he earned in 2003. In 1993 he was awarded the honour of OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) and in 2005 he made the Queen's honour's list again this time for a Knighthood for his services to acting and comedy.