‘Riches can be counted in many ways’

by

As a seasoned film enthusiast with a penchant for nostalgia, I have to say that reading about the life of David Jason is nothing short of captivating. The man has lived a life full of unexpected twists and turns, making him not just an iconic actor but also an extraordinary human being.

Both Jason’s perspectives were correct. Despite having written several autobiographies in the past, recent developments in his life have been quite unforeseen. These include getting a “bionic” hip replacement, discovering a long-lost daughter, and welcoming his first grandchild.

Towards the close of 2022, Jason got a letter from Abi Harris, an actress aged 52 at the time, who hinted she might be his father. This was based on a fleeting romance Abi’s mother, Jennifer Hill (also an actress), had with him back in early 1970.

Due to a paternity test confirming her claim, Jason and his wife Gill, after 19 years together, have embraced Abi and her son Charlie into their family. As time passes, it’s aiding us all in getting better acquainted,” Jason smiles, recounting the experience in the final chapter of This Time Next Year: A Life of Positive Thinking, where he shares his feelings of mixed emotions during their initial encounter at a London hotel.

Personally speaking, I recently learned that Abi discovered the true identity of her birth father, just before her mother passed away. It seems reassuring for Abi to know that her story has been resolved, and her mom had confirmation before she died. When we met near “Jason Towers,” the 18th-century farmhouse in Wendover, Buckinghamshire, he shared this with me, as he plans to host Abi and Charlie during Christmas.

Jason mentions that they’ll spend some time during Christmas and likely engage in numerous games, to which Charlie replies excitedly, “That sounds great! By the way, did you know I often call out numbers for bingo? It usually adds quite a bit of fun!

Today, he’s absolutely in an entertaining mood, seamlessly slipping into the iconic role of Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter, a character he played in “Only Fools and Horses” from 1981 to 2003. It feels like Del Boy’s spirit is tagging along with him, whispering lines like “Bonjour” into his ear. [But I can hear him thinking] “Please be quiet!”. However, that’s what the character would do. He would say something like “Bonjour, bonjour! Bonnet de douche?” in a cheeky manner.

Was playing characters like Pop Larkin, Granville, and DI Frost a key factor in him amassing his own millionaire fortune? Instead, he emphasizes that his greatest reward has been enjoying a long and satisfying career. Just as Derek Trotter found out, wealth can be measured in numerous ways, not just monetary value. Having some money saved up certainly doesn’t hurt, but it’s the journey and experience that truly matter.

The new book dispels speculation about a rift between Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst, his “Only Fools” co-star, by clarifying that their busy schedules often make it difficult to meet up, as expressed in the book: “The time simply doesn’t permit.” Notably, it was Jason who swiftly offered support to Lyndhurst following the tragic death of his son Archie from leukemia in September 2020. As he shares, they spoke immediately after the unfortunate event.

85-year-old Jason continues to work tirelessly, hoping his skills remain sharp, as he laments the scarcity of TV roles for older performers: “I’m making every effort to persuade producers and directors that I still have numerous characters to portray. Seasoned actors bring a wealth of experience and depth.

In his latest TV role, he teamed up with Jay Blades to host the BBC series titled “Jay and David’s Touring Tool Shed“. Unfortunately, Jay has been accused of abusive behavior towards his estranged wife, leading to no further installments of the show. As for what’s next for this beloved figure, he expresses eagerness for new opportunities: “I’m ready for more projects!” he smiles brightly.

This Time Next Year by David Jason is out now.

Read More

2024-11-15 22:38