Only Fools and Horses: Del Boy legend David Jason finds it ‘difficult’ to understand how he’s brought joy to so many people
At 82, Sir David still describes himself as the 'little lad from Finchley'
Sir David Jason needs no introduction. Most people know the 82-year-old actor as the man who brought to life the character of Derek Trotter, otherwise known as ‘Del Boy’, in Only Fools and Horses.
His brilliant portrayal of the dodgy dealer from Peckham has gone down in British television history. He delivered the British public one of its most iconic on-screen characters in the show that ran from 1981 until 2003.
Del Boy was famous for lines such as “This time next year we’ll be millionaires”, “Cushty!” and “Lovely Jubbly!”, said in a classical cockney accent that still rings on in our ears today. Over 40 years since Del first graced our screens we still smirk every time we think of his witty antics.
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Yet sadly, Sir David has had trouble truly accepting how much joy his life work has brought to viewers up and down the country over the years and decades. He was recently asked by ITV reporter David Henry on how he feels about his achievements.
The reporter asked Sir David: “Have you accepted all of the joy that your work has brought to people over the years?” In response, Sir David said: “I think the short answer is no.”
Elaborating, Sir David explained: “I find it very difficult to understand that or appreciate it because I’ve been having such a great time making those programmes in particular. There were lots of us, all of us involved in the programme of Only Fools and Horses particularly. It wasn’t like going to work, it was like going to have a laugh with your friends.”
He continued: “I do understand that people do appreciate what I’ve done and they like very much what I’ve done, and yes they’re still seeing some of the shows, but the answer is no, I’m just the little lad from Finchley.” Sir David was at Waterstones Bookshop in Piccadilly, London earlier in October to sign his latest book ‘The Twelve Dels of Christmas’.
Dozens of fans of the actor who had pre-booked their tickets lined up outside the store waiting for their chance to meet the legend himself. Of course, Sir David isn’t only loved for his playing of Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses, he has also played several other roles, including Inspector Jack Frost from A Touch of Frost, Granville in Open All Hours and Still Open All Hours, and Pop Larkin in The Darling Buds of May.
Sir David also voiced Mr. Toad in The Wind in the Willows, the BFG in the 1989 film and the title characters of Danger Mouse and Count Duckula. While the real man behind the Del Boy character won’t necessarily promise that you’ll be a millionaire this time next year, he does provide his own formula for ‘winning’.
He told the ITV reporter: “One thing I would say (to) try to get to people is that in your life, in your work life, is if you can enjoy it.” He added: “That’s the most important thing. Look it’s not perfect is it, life? But if you can enjoy most of it, then you’re winning.”
