Sir David Jason has opened up about the lack of representation for older actors as he said he is “desperately” trying to convince the industry to change.
The 84-year-old actor first rose to fame as Derek “Del Boy” Trotter in Only Fools and Horses, and Detective Inspector Jack Frost in A Touch of Frost. His other roles include Granville in Open All Hours and Still Open All Hours, and Pop Larkin in The Darling Buds Of May.
Recently admitting that his subsequent roles are often overshadowed by performance as the dishonest entrepreneur from Peckham, Jason opened up about his experience as an older star in his eighties in a new interview with Radio Times.
“I’m trying desperately to convince producers and directors that I’ve got many characters still left to play,” he said.
“Senior actors have got a tremendous amount to offer.”
He most recently co-presented a BBC series titled David & Jay’s Touring Toolshed alongside The Repair Shop star Jay Blades. He confirmed there would be no follow-up series, and added that he is “open to offers” of new TV projects.
Blades was recently charged with controlling and coercive behaviour against his ex-wife. He has denied the charge and is due to face trial before a Crown Court jury.
In 2022, the star received a letter from actor Abi Harris suggesting that he could be her father. A paternity test confirmed the relationship and the family has since been spending time together. He added that he had invited Harris and her young son Charlie to his home for Christmas.
“We’ll share some Christmas time together and will probably play lots of games,” Jason revealed.
“Time is helping with us all getting to know each other,” he added.
Last month, the actor admitted that his Only Fools and Horses character is “on his back all the time” as he spoke of the impact playing the comedy favourite has had on his career.
He explained he gets “slightly upset” as people often forget he played other roles throughout his long career in the acting industry.
“Del Boy is a bit of a ghost that comes behind me like a Christmas Carol,” Sir David said during a BBC interview.
“I do say he is on my back all the time because wherever I go people recognise me as that character.
“It only upsets me slightly as it seems to be the only thing people remember me for.”
