David Daker, the veteran actor best known for his roles in Only Fools and Horses, Coronation Street, and Boon, has died at the age of 90. His family confirmed the news, though no cause of death was given. He passed away on Thursday, April 30, but the announcement was made public only recently.
Career highlights and iconic roles
Daker appeared in 31 episodes of the long-running ITV soap Coronation Street in two separate roles. He first played Basil Griffin from 1968 to 1969 and later returned as Gordon Lewis, the relief manager at the Rovers Return, from 1981 to 1985. After his second stint on the cobbles, he found further fame in the drama series Boon, playing the best friend of the protagonist, portrayed by Michael Elphick, over seven seasons from 1986 to 1992. The show attracted an audience of 15 million at its peak.
Beloved sitcom appearances
While these roles were among his most high-profile, Daker was a familiar face across British television. He appeared in several beloved sitcoms, including Rising Damp, Sorry, and Porridge. He had a memorable role in Only Fools and Horses as Tommy Mackay, the violent husband of a woman dating Rodney Trotter (Nicholas Lyndhurst).
Early career and other notable roles
After starting his career on stage and in a couple of small TV roles, his small-screen career began in earnest in 1967 with the role of PC Owen Culshaw in the BBC drama Z Cars. He also had a high-profile role in Doctor Who throughout the 1970s, playing a robber baron in The Time Warrior and later a spacecraft commanding officer. Other notable roles include parts in Casualty, Holby City, Midsomer Murders, Heartbeat, Juliet Bravo, and Dalziel and Pascoe.
Tributes from fans and colleagues
Tributes flooded in for the beloved star. The Only Fools and Horses fan page Only Fools and Legends wrote: "His chemistry with Michael Elphick in Boon created one of TV’s most memorable friendships, entertaining millions throughout the late ’80s and early ’90s. Whether playing tough guys, comic characters or dependable mates, David Daker’s talent and versatility left a lasting mark on British television and theatre. A true character actor in every sense of the word, he’ll be fondly remembered by generations of viewers."
Another fan added: "Loved him in Boon, loved them all in that TV series. Great actor." A third chimed in: "That programme lifted my spirits. It was fun seeing him up the dark, wet alley in OFAH, too. He be so missed on TV." Meanwhile, a fourth shared: "Aww, I loved him. He always seemed to play such a strong but quite loveable character too. The joke with Fletch in Porridge is one of the greatest ever comedy moments in my opinion. Rest easy Sir."
