Sir David Jason, 84, ‘desperately asking for roles’ as he slams ageism struggles within TV industry
Sir David Jason, one of Britain’s most beloved actors, has revealed he is “desperately” trying to convince TV producers to cast him in new roles at the age of 84.
The Only Fools and Horses star revealed he is struggling to secure acting work despite his iconic career spanning decades.
The actor, who hasn’t appeared in a scripted project since playing Granville in an Open All Hours reboot in 2019, told Radio Times he is now “open to offers.”
“I’m trying desperately to convince producers and directors that I’ve got many characters still left to play,” said Jason, who will turn 85 in February.
The veteran actor, known for roles including Del Boy and DI Jack Frost, emphasised that “senior actors have got a tremendous amount to offer.”
His most recent television appearance was co-presenting the 15-part BBC series – David & Jay’s Touring Tool Shed – with Jay Blades at the start of this year.
Jason has confirmed there will be no follow-up series to the programme, following charges against Blades for controlling and coercive behaviour towards his estranged wife.
Despite having not appeared as Del Boy since 2003, the veteran actor admits the character remains a significant presence in his life.
“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’,” he told the same publication.
Despite his numerous achievements, the 84-year-old revealed one significant career regret during a recent BBC Breakfast interview.
“My real disappointment or regret was that I always wanted to be a National Theatre player. I always wanted to be on the stage of the National Theatre.
“It was just that romantic image of playing in those big productions, with those big, wonderful actors. That never happened.”
He went on to add that he thought it would be too late for him now, as he doesn’t think his memory would be “good enough”.
As well as opening up about his frustration with trying to get acting gigs, Jason set the record straight on the ongoing “feud” rumours between himself and former co-star Nicholas Lyndhurst.
Lyndhurst had chosen to live a quieter life after the unexpected death of his 20-year-old son Archie in 2020 – suffering from a brain haemorrhage brought on by acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Jason has previously debunked any rumours of a feud within his My Life autobiography and suggested that misconceptions may stem from their fake on-set argument.
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Now, Jason has once again squashed any rumours that had resurfaced about their “feud” in his latest autobiography – This Time Next Year: A Life of Positive Thinking.
The star told Radio Times that the pair struggle to see one another simply because “so often the time simply does not allow”.
Jason also insisted he was one of the first to support Lyndhurst after the death of his son adding to the publication: “We were on the phone instantly.”
