David Jason: The Life And Legacy of a British Comedy Legend

David Jason, born David John White on February 2, 1940, is a British actor, comedian, and television presenter who has become an iconic figure in British entertainment. Over the course of his career, he has won numerous awards and accolades, including several BAFTA Awards, and has become one of the most recognizable faces on British television.

 

Early Life and Career

David Jason was born in Edmonton, London, to parents Arthur White and Olwen Jones. His father worked as a porter at Billingsgate Fish Market, while his mother was a charwoman. David’s parents separated when he was just two years old, and he was raised by his mother and grandparents in Finchley.

As a child, David was fascinated by the world of entertainment and would often entertain his family with impressions and jokes. He attended Northfield Secondary Modern School, where he developed a love of drama, and went on to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.

David began his career in the 1960s, appearing in a number of television shows and films. He landed his first major role in the 1967 comedy-drama series “Do Not Adjust Your Set”, which also featured future Monty Python members Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. He also appeared in the hit comedy series “Only Fools and Horses” in 1981, playing the role of Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter’s sidekick, Rodney.

Television Career

David’s breakthrough role came in the late 1970s when he was cast as the title character in the sitcom “The Darling Buds of May”. The series, which was based on the novels of H.E. Bates, was a huge success and made David a household name. He went on to star in a number of popular television shows, including “A Bit of a Do”, “The Two Ronnies”, and “Open All Hours”.

In 1981, David landed the role of Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter’s younger brother, Rodney, in the hit comedy series “Only Fools and Horses”. The show, which followed the exploits of the Trotter family, became one of the most popular sitcoms in British television history and ran for over a decade. David’s performance as Rodney was widely praised, and he won a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in 1991.

David continued to work in television throughout the 1990s and 2000s, appearing in a number of successful shows, including “A Touch of Frost” and “The Royal Bodyguard”. He also hosted his own chat show, “David Jason: At Home”, which ran for two series in 1999 and 2000.

More recently, David has appeared in the BBC drama series “Death in Paradise” and the Sky One comedy “Still Open All Hours”. He has also presented a number of documentaries, including “David Jason’s Secret Service” and “David Jason: Planes, Trains & Automobiles”.

 

Personal Life

David Jason has been married twice. His first marriage, to actress and dancer Maxine Audley, ended in divorce in 1967. He later married Gill Hinchcliffe in 2005, and the couple have one daughter, Sophie Mae.

David is known for his love of classic cars and has a collection of vintage vehicles. He is also a keen supporter of the Arsenal football club and has been a regular attendee at matches.

Honours and Awards

Sir David Jason is known for his roles in popular British television shows such as “Only Fools and Horses,” “A Touch of Frost,” and “Open All Hours.” He has been recognized for his contributions to the entertainment industry with numerous honors and awards throughout his career. Here are some of the most notable ones:

• In 1993, David Jason was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his services to drama.
• In 1997, he was awarded the British Comedy Awards Lifetime Achievement Award.
• In 2005, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, becoming Sir David Jason, for his services to drama.
• In 2006, he was awarded the BAFTA Fellowship, the highest honor the British Academy of Film and Television Arts can bestow upon an individual, for his outstanding contribution to television over a period of more than three decades.
• In 2008, he was awarded the National Television Award for Outstanding Drama Performance for his role as Detective Inspector Jack Frost in “A Touch of Frost.”
• In 2013, he was awarded the Radio Times TV Champion Award for his role in “Still Open All Hours.”
• In 2016, he was awarded the BFI Fellowship, the highest honor the British Film Institute can bestow upon an individual, for his outstanding contribution to television and film.

Overall, Sir David Jason’s honors and awards reflect his long and distinguished career in the entertainment industry, as well as his enduring popularity among audiences in the UK and around the world.

Legacy

David Jason has had a long and successful career in the entertainment industry, and his legacy is multifaceted. Here are some of the key aspects of David Jason’s legacy:

1. Iconic TV roles: David Jason is perhaps best known for his iconic roles in popular British TV shows such as “Only Fools and Horses,” “A Touch of Frost,” and “Open All Hours.” His performances in these shows have become part of British popular culture and have earned him a place in the hearts of millions of viewers.
2. Versatility as an actor: David Jason is known for his ability to inhabit a wide range of characters and genres. He has played comedic roles, such as Del Boy in “Only Fools and Horses,” as well as dramatic roles, such as Detective Inspector Jack Frost in “A Touch of Frost.” He has also lent his voice to animated shows such as “Danger Mouse” and “The BFG.”
3. Longevity and staying power: David Jason’s career has spanned over five decades, and he has remained a popular figure in the entertainment industry throughout that time. He has adapted to changes in the industry, embracing new technologies such as voice acting for video games and audiobooks.
4. Awards and recognition: David Jason has been recognized with numerous honors and awards throughout his career, including the OBE, knighthood, BAFTA Fellowship, and National Television Award. These accolades attest to his contribution to the entertainment industry and his enduring popularity with audiences.
5. Philanthropy: David Jason has also made significant contributions to charitable causes throughout his career. He has supported organizations such as the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Children in Need, and the Royal British Legion, among others.

In conclusion, David Jason’s legacy is one of versatility, longevity, and popularity. He has left an indelible mark on British popular culture through his iconic TV roles and has earned the respect and admiration of his peers and audiences alike. His philanthropic efforts have also helped to make a positive impact on the world around him.

David Jason’s 3 Best TV Shows

A Touch of Frost

“A Touch of Frost” is a British detective drama series that aired on ITV from 1992 to 2010. The show starred David Jason as Detective Inspector William Edward “Jack” Frost, a gruff and unorthodox police officer who works in the fictional town of Denton, located in the Midlands of England. The show was based on the novels of the same name by R.D. Wingfield.

The show’s premise is centered around the investigations and cases of Detective Inspector Frost, who is known for his unconventional methods and his tendency to get into trouble with his superiors. Despite this, Frost is a highly skilled detective who often solves complex cases that other officers cannot. He is also known for his dry wit and sense of humor, which often serve to diffuse tense situations.

Throughout the show’s 18 seasons, Frost investigates a wide range of crimes, including murders, kidnappings, and robberies. The show often tackles social issues such as drug addiction, prostitution, and racism, as well as exploring the personal lives of the characters.

One of the key elements of the show is the character development of Detective Inspector Frost. Over the course of the series, viewers see Frost struggle with personal demons, including alcoholism and a troubled relationship with his son. However, he also forms close bonds with his colleagues and becomes a mentor to younger officers.

Another key element of the show is the setting of Denton, a fictional town that serves as the backdrop for the investigations. The town is depicted as a working-class community with a mix of traditional and modern values. The show often explores the tensions and conflicts that arise between the different social classes and ethnic groups that live in the town.

In terms of production values, “A Touch of Frost” was known for its high-quality cinematography and use of location shooting. The show’s signature theme music, composed by Barrington Pheloung, is also widely recognized.

The show was a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards and garnering high ratings throughout its run. David Jason’s portrayal of Detective Inspector Frost was widely praised, and the show became one of ITV’s most popular dramas. Its final episode, which aired in 2010, was watched by over eight million viewers.

In conclusion, “A Touch of Frost” is a beloved British television series that has become a classic of the detective drama genre. The show’s enduring popularity is a testament to the strong writing, compelling characters, and excellent performances, particularly by David Jason in the lead role. If you are a fan of crime dramas or British television in general, “A Touch of Frost” is definitely worth checking out.

 

Open All Hours

“Open All Hours” is a British television sitcom that originally aired on BBC One from 1973 to 1985. The show was created by Roy Clarke and starred Ronnie Barker as Albert Arkwright, a miserly and unscrupulous grocer who runs a small shop in the fictional town of Balby, located in the north of England. David Jason played the role of Arkwright’s put-upon nephew and apprentice, Granville.

The show’s premise revolves around the daily operations of Arkwright’s shop, which is open all hours of the day and night. The show primarily focuses on the interactions between Arkwright and Granville, as well as the eccentric customers who frequent the shop.

Granville is portrayed as a long-suffering and hapless character who is constantly at odds with his uncle’s penny-pinching ways. He dreams of escaping the shop and finding a better life, but his lack of funds and opportunities keep him tethered to his uncle’s business.

Arkwright, on the other hand, is depicted as a shrewd and cunning businessman who will go to any lengths to save money and maximize profits. He is notoriously stingy, using every trick in the book to avoid spending money on his shop or his customers.

Throughout the show’s run, viewers see Arkwright and Granville engage in a series of humorous and often farcical situations, such as trying to sell out-of-date stock or dealing with difficult customers. The show’s humor is often based on wordplay, puns, and physical comedy.

In addition to the central characters, the show also features a cast of recurring and one-off characters, including Arkwright’s love interest, Nurse Gladys Emmanuel, and local troublemaker, the milkman.

The show’s success can be attributed to its strong writing, witty humor, and excellent performances. The chemistry between Ronnie Barker and David Jason was particularly noteworthy, and their characters’ dynamic has become a classic of British comedy.

“Open All Hours” was also notable for its depiction of working-class life in the north of England. The show’s setting and characters resonated with audiences who could relate to the struggles and triumphs of small business owners and their employees.

The show was a critical and commercial success, and it won several awards, including the BAFTA for Best Situation Comedy. It was so popular that it spawned a sequel, “Still Open All Hours,” which began airing in 2013 and stars David Jason in the lead role.

In conclusion, “Open All Hours” is a classic British sitcom that has become a cultural touchstone. The show’s strong writing, memorable characters, and humorous situations have made it a favorite among audiences of all ages. David Jason’s performance as Granville was a standout, and his chemistry with Ronnie Barker helped to make the show a classic of British comedy.

 

Only Fools And Horses

“Only Fools and Horses” is a British television sitcom that originally aired on BBC One from 1981 to 1991, with sporadic specials airing until 2003. The show was created by John Sullivan and starred David Jason as Derek “Del Boy” Trotter and Nicholas Lyndhurst as his younger brother Rodney Trotter.

The show’s premise revolves around the Trotter brothers, who live in the fictional working-class area of Peckham in South London. Del Boy is a wheeler-dealer and small-time crook, always on the lookout for a new scheme to make money, while Rodney is more naïve and idealistic.

Throughout the show’s run, viewers see Del Boy and Rodney engage in a series of humorous and often farcical situations, such as trying to sell faulty merchandise or getting caught up in a dangerous criminal enterprise. The show’s humor is often based on wordplay, puns, and physical comedy.

In addition to the central characters, the show also features a cast of recurring and one-off characters, including the Trotter’s elderly grandfather, Uncle Albert, and Del Boy’s love interest, Raquel.

“Only Fools and Horses” became a cultural phenomenon in the UK, with its popularity soaring in the 1980s and early 1990s. The show’s appeal lay in its portrayal of working-class life and the Trotter brothers’ relatable struggles and aspirations.

David Jason’s performance as Del Boy was a standout, and his character’s catchphrases, such as “Lovely jubbly” and “This time next year, we’ll be millionaires,” have become part of British popular culture.

The show’s success can also be attributed to its strong writing, with creator John Sullivan crafting well-rounded characters and hilarious plotlines. The show won numerous awards, including the BAFTA for Best Comedy Series in 1991.

In addition to its success in the UK, “Only Fools and Horses” also gained a following internationally, particularly in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. The show has been dubbed into multiple languages and has been remade in several countries.

The show’s popularity led to several spin-offs and specials, including “The Green Green Grass,” which focused on supporting character Boycie and his family, and “Rock & Chips,” a prequel that explored the origins of the Trotter family.

In conclusion, “Only Fools and Horses” is a classic British sitcom that has become a cultural touchstone. The show’s strong writing, memorable characters, and humorous situations have made it a favorite among audiences of all ages. David Jason’s performance as Del Boy was a standout, and his character’s catchphrases have become part of British popular culture. The show’s success in the UK and abroad is a testament to its universal appeal and enduring legacy.