David Jason “trying desperately” for acting roles in his 80s

David Jason “trying desperately” for acting roles in his 80s

As a fan, I can’t help but be amazed by David Jason‘s extraordinary journey through life and career. His recent turn of events, including a brand-new “bionic” hip, the discovery of a long-lost daughter, and his first grandchild, have added yet another layer to the already rich tapestry of his life.


In simpler terms, both perspectives were valid. Jason had previously written multiple autobiographies, but over the past year, his life took some unforeseen turns. For instance, he received a new “bionic” hip, discovered a hitherto unknown daughter, and welcomed his first grandchild into the family.

Come the close of 2022, I found myself opening a missive from an actress named Abi Harris, aged 52 at the time. Intriguingly, she hinted that I might be her father – a product of a fleeting romance my mother, the celebrated Jennifer Hill, had in the early ’70s.

After a paternity test confirmed it, Jason and his longtime wife Gill, having been married for 19 years, have embraced Abi and her son Charlie as part of their family. “Time is making it easier for us all to get acquainted,” Jason says with a smile, recounting the story in the final chapter of This Time Next Year: A Life of Positive Thinking. In this account, he describes the whirlwind of mixed feelings that surrounded their initial encounter at a London hotel.

David Jason “trying desperately” for acting roles in his 80s

Poignantly, Abi established her birth father’s identity just before her mother died. “Apart from the occasional mutual friend’s get-togethers, I hadn’t seen Jenny for many years. But it must be comforting for Abi to know that her true story had come full circle and her mum had confirmation before her death,” he tells me, when we meet close to “Jason Towers”, the 18th-century farmhouse near Wendover, Buckinghamshire, where he will host Abi and Charlie at Christmas.

Jason mentions that they’ll spend some fun-filled Christmas moments together, likely engaging in numerous activities. Interestingly, Charlie is fond of bingo and often takes on the role of the caller, adding to the merriment!

He’s certainly on entertaining form today, effortlessly morphing into Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter, the career-defining role he played in Only Fools and Horses from 1981 to 2003. “You walk around with the ghost of Del Boy on your shoulder or behind you, peering over your shoulder saying, ‘Go on. Tell her Bonjour.’ [And I’m thinking,] ‘Will you shut up!?’ But that is what the character would do. He’d say, ‘Well, bonjour, bonjour! Bonnet de douche?’”

Originally named David John White, Jason hails from a working-class background in North Finchley, London, and initially pursued acting while simultaneously learning electrical and mechanical trades. Reflecting on his career, he often wonders, “How did I land that part? I was still an amateur.” He remarks, “The professional actors were the ones who attended drama school.

David Jason “trying desperately” for acting roles in his 80s

Was being cast as Pop Larkin in The Darling Buds of May, Granville in Open All Hours, and DI Frost in A Touch Of Frost the key to him becoming a millionaire? He responds by saying that his greatest reward has been enjoying a successful career for so long.

What propelled Derek Trotter was the pursuit of wealth, but once he amassed a fortune, he found that his desire waned. He came to understand that wealth can be measured in various forms. Even though having some money saved is beneficial, it’s not the only way to quantify riches.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled about the new book that sets the record straight regarding any speculations of a misunderstanding between me and my “Only Fools and Horses” co-star, Nicholas Lyndhurst. The book reveals that our busy schedules are usually to blame for our rare encounters, as “time seldom aligns.

85-year-old Jason laments the limited TV roles for elderly actors, expressing his eagerness to continue working as long as he can: “I’m doing my best to persuade producers and directors that there are still numerous characters I can portray. Seniors have a wealth of talent and experience to share.

I recently had the pleasure of joining Jay Blades as a co-host on the 15-episode BBC series, “Jay and David’s Touring Tool Shed.” Unfortunately, subsequent events have led to Jay being charged with controlling and coercive behavior towards his estranged wife. As a result, there will be no sequel to this series. So, I wonder what the future holds for this cherished figure? “I’m ready for new opportunities!” he smiles brightly.

David Jason “trying desperately” for acting roles in his 80s

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2024-11-12 04:03