For decades, Sir David Jason has been a fixture on British television, yet a significant aspect of the national treasure's true character remains widely misread by the public.
The Private Man Behind the Public Persona
Now 85, the actor famed for his iconic portrayals of Del Boy Trotter in Only Fools and Horses and Detective Inspector Jack Frost in A Touch of Frost is, by multiple accounts, a profoundly private individual. Recent discussions among fans on forums like Digital Spy and Reddit have sought to set the record straight, countering claims that the star is 'quite a rude person' with personal anecdotes.
One user strongly defended Sir David, writing: 'David Jason is a very private person and doesn't feel very comfortable with all the attention he gets. Sometimes he may appear aloof and rude, but he most certainly isn't - he's lovely.' This sentiment was echoed by another who met him in a bar, describing him as 'really nice and friendly' but confirming his shyness can be misinterpreted.
A Rare Glimpse of Del Boy
A particularly revealing story shared on Reddit illustrates the actor's reserved nature. A fan recounted how their friend's father, who ran a B&B in Weston-super-Mare, was good friends with Jason. During social visits, people would inevitably ask 'Uncle David' to 'do a bit of Del Boy,' which he would politely decline.
However, on one special occasion after some friendly persuasion, he relented. The fan described a remarkable transformation: 'He took a deep breath and in that moment, everything about him changed... It was like Del Boy had walked into the room.' For 20 minutes, he captivated everyone with an impromptu performance, offering a unforgettable glimpse of the character that made him a household name.
Cast Reunion for 'The Lost Archive'
This insight into the man behind the roles comes as Sir David prepares to reunite with several beloved co-stars for a special new project. Only Fools and Horses: The Lost Archive is a two-part documentary series featuring new interviews with cast and crew.
Joining Sir David will be former cast members including Tessa Peake-Jones (Raquel), Gwyneth Strong (Cassandra), Sue Holderness (Marlene), Steven Woodcock (Jevon), and Denis Lill (Alan Parry). Together, they will revisit long-lost moments from the show, share their reactions, and pay tribute to the show's late creator, John Sullivan, who died in 2011.
The documentary, packed with unseen clips and behind-the-scenes footage, is scheduled to air on U&Gold in 2026. It promises to be a poignant trip down memory lane for the show's legions of fans, celebrating a comedy legacy while perhaps offering a deeper understanding of the shy, private man who brought its most famous character to life.
