Sir David Jason has delivered a stinging critique of his peers in showbusiness for their “bad behaviour”.
The esteemed 85-year-old actor, known for his portrayal of Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter in the iconic BBC series Only Fools and Horses from 1981 to 1991, didn’t hold back when discussing conduct within the industry.
Sir David’s notable roles include Detective Inspector Jack Frost in A Touch of Frost, Granville in Open All Hours and Still Open All Hours, as well as Pop Larkin in The Darling Buds of May.
In anticipation of the paperback version of his memoir, This Time Next Year, Sir David looked back at his long-standing career and the variety of personalities he’s come across.
While speaking with Ranvir Singh on Lorraine about his storied achievements, he remarked: “I have thought about this because of the stories you hear inside the business about people’s behaviour, sometimes the behaviour is quite bad.”
He declined to name names or delve into “gossip” with Ranvir, continuing: “I’ve always kept my feet firmly planted on the ground but I don’t get carried away with fame.”
He explained his approach to acting: “What I do is because I came into the acting profession because of the love of acting and because I never wanted it to affect me, I wanted to be part of the team and that’s stayed with me forever.”
Further highlighting his inability to comprehend poorly behaved colleagues, he added: “I can’t quite understand the people who behave so badly when you consider it’s a luxury job in a luxury business.”
Additionally, Sir David reflected positively on the warm memories tied to his past television series, contrasting them with certain “irritating” elements of current TV.
Looking back on his past roles with fondness, he said: “I have been very fortunate in being part of so very many memorable series’.
“One of the ones that I think I’ve got the fondest memories [of] because it’s such a romantic time, was one of the series that I did, The Darling Buds of May.
“What I liked about it was that it was so heartwarming, there was no swearing, no sex, none of those irritating things that sometimes get on people’s nerves.
“It was just a genuine, light-hearted, wonderful time of trying to show what country life was really all about. That does bring back a lot of fond memories.”
This comes after the Del Boy actor lamented there are a lack of opportunities these days for not only himself, but also other older actors.
“I’m trying desperately to convince producers and directors that I’ve got many characters still left to play,” he told Radio Times last year.
“Senior actors have got a tremendous amount to offer.”
Lorraine airs weekdays from 9am on ITV1 and ITVX.
