Last updated on the 24 July 2024 by Maeve

Mini Biography

Born: 2 February 1940, Edmonton, Middlesex, England. 

David Jason, born David John White, to Arthur Robert White and Olwen Jones. His father was a porter at Billingsgate Fish Market and his mother worked as a charwoman. Jason’s twin brother died during childbirth, making him a twinless twin. He attended Northfield Secondary Modern school after failing the 11-plus in 1951. Upon leaving school, Jason wanted to be an actor, influenced by his brother, but their father advised that he first learn a trade. He trained as an electrician for six years before retiring and becoming a struggling actor.

Jason started his television career in 1964 playing the part of Bert Bradshaw in Crossroads. In 1967, he played spoof super-hero Captain Fantastic, among other roles, in the children’s comedy series Do Not Adjust Your Set with Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Denise Coffey and Michael Palin.

He has played many memorable roles in British television, including Derek “Del Boy” Trotter in Only Fools and Horses, Detective Inspector Jack Frost in A Touch of Frost, Granville in Open All Hours and Still Open All Hours. and Pop Larkin in The Darling Buds of May.

David Jason has won four British Academy Television Awards (BAFTAs), four British Comedy Awards and seven National Television Awards. He was knighted in 2005 for services to acting and comedy.

Jason has been married twice. He married Gill Hinchcliffe in 2005, and they have a daughter together. He was previously in a relationship with actress Myfanwy Talog from 1977 until her death from breast cancer in 1995. Jason has two children.

WINNER|Television: Actor for Porterhouse Blue (1988) | Television: Light Entertainment Performance for Only Fools And Horses (1991) | Television: Comedy Performance for Only Fools And Horses (1997)

Still Open All Hours (2013)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.4

An aging shop owner, inheriting his uncle’s business, juggles his eccentric sales tactics with his quest for love. His awkward son helps run the store, while a cast of quirky characters, from a domineering sister to a lovesick widow, keep things lively in the small-town grocer.

Top cast: David Jason, James Baxter, Stephanie Cole, Brigit Forsyth, Maggie Ollerenshaw, Kulvinder Ghir, Tim Healy, Johnny Vegas, Sally Lindsay, Geoffrey Whitehead, Nina Wadia, Lynda Baron.

Hogfather (2006)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.4

On a magical Discworld Christmas, the gift-giving Hogfather vanishes. Death, a skeletal figure with surprising paternal instincts, fills in while his determined granddaughter investigates. Facing a villain who’s sabotaging belief in the Hogfather, they race to save the spirit of the holiday and ensure children wake to presents.

Top cast: David Jason, Marc Warren, Michelle Dockery, David Warner, Tony Robinson, Nigel Planer, Peter Guinness, Stephen Marcus, Craig Conway, Rhodri Meilir, Sinead Matthews, Ian Richardson, Neil Pearson.

More Terry Pratchet

Porterhouse Blue (1987)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.5

Amidst the hallowed halls of Cambridge University’s Porterhouse College, tradition reigns supreme, upheld by the stalwart Head Porter, Skullion. But when the liberal Sir Godber takes the helm, threatening to dismantle the time-honored customs, Skullion and the college’s Fellows unite to defend their academic heritage. As the battle between tradition and modernisation intensifies, Skullion’s unwavering loyalty to Porterhouse and its enduring spirit ignites a humorous and irreverent clash that will forever alter the college’s landscape.

Top cast: David Jason, Ian Richardson, Barbara Jefford, Charles Gray, John Woodnutt, Harold Innocent, Griff Rhys Jones, Paul Rogers, John Sessions.

A Touch of Frost (1992)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.9

“A Touch of Frost” revolves around the life of Detective Inspector Jack Frost. Set in the fictional town of Denton, this crime drama showcases Frost’s relentless pursuit of justice, his unconventional methods and his witty personality. With complex cases and personal struggles, it explores the darker side of policing while highlighting human resilience and determination.

Top cast: David Jason, Bruce Alexander, John Lyons, Arthur White, Neil Phillips, Matt Bardock, Sally Dexter, David McKail.

Open All Hours (1976)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.6

“Open All Hours” is a heartwarming sitcom set in a small corner shop run by the lovable and eccentric Arkwright. Alongside his bumbling nephew Granville, they grapple comical mishaps, quirky customers and unconventional business strategies.

Top cast: Ronnie Barker, David Jason, Lynda Baron, Barbara Flynn, Stephanie Cole, Maggie Ollerenshaw, Kathy Staff, Johnny Ball.

The Wind in the Willows (1983)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.6

“The Wind in the Willows” follows the enchanting adventures of Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad. From peaceful riverside picnics to daring escapades and battles with wicked weasels, this timeless tale captures themes of friendship, bravery and the beauty of nature. A delightful journey through a whimsical world awaits these beloved characters.

Top cast: Richard Pearson, Ian Carmichael, David Jason, Michael Hordern, Beryl Reid, Jonathan Cecil, Brian Trueman, Alan Beardsley.

Only Fools and Horses (1981)

Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 9.0

“Only Fools and Horses” follows the misadventures of brothers Del Boy and Rodney Trotter in their pursuit of wealth and success. Set in Peckham, this beloved sitcom showcases their hilarious schemes, dodgy deals and close-knit bond with friends Trigger and Uncle Albert. A tale filled with laughter, dreams and unforgettable characters unfolds across the bustling streets of South London.

Top cast: David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Buster Merryfield, Lennard Pearce, Roger Lloyd-Pack, John Challis, Sue Holderness, Tessa Peake-Jones.

The Darling Buds of May (1991)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.8

“The Darling Buds of May” is a comedy-drama set in the idyllic English countryside. The Larkin family, led by the charismatic Pop and his wife Ma, embrace a carefree lifestyle filled with love, laughter and mischief. Amidst their charming escapades and encounters with eccentric characters, they teach us about the true meaning of happiness and contentment.

Top cast: David Jason, Pam Ferris, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Philip Franks, Stephanie Ralph, Ian Tucker, Moray Watson, Rachel Bell.

All the King’s Men (1999)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 7.1

During the First World War, a mysterious tale arises from the pages of history: the disappearance of the Sandringham Company. This brave group was formed and prepared under careful supervision on George V’s Norfolk estate, only to inexplicably vanish during their courageous endeavours in Gallipoli in 1915. Their enigmatic vanishing lingers as an enduring legend, leaving behind unanswered queries and an enduring sense of intrigue.

Top cast: David Jason, Maggie Smith, William Ash, Sonya Walger, James Murray, Stuart Bunce, Tom Burke, Patrick Malahide, Ian McDiarmid.

David Jason full filmography @ Wikipedia