Gransnet forums

Webchats

Page 2 of 3 | First | Previous | Next | Last
| Flip | Customise |

Sir David Jason webchat - Thurs 17 Oct 1-2pm

(64 Posts)
Add comment | Report
CariGransnet (GNHQ) Wed 02-Oct-13 13:49:40

Sir David Jason was born in 1940 in North London. His acting career has been long and varied: from his theatre work in the West End to providing voices for Mr Toad from The Wind in the Willows, Danger Mouse and The BFG; and from Open All Hours and The Darling Buds of May to his starring roles as Detective Inspector Frost in A Touch of Frost and, of course, Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter in Only Fools and Horses.

We are delighted to be doing a webchat with him to mark the publication of his long-awaited autobiography, My Life (and <whoop> we have a signed copy for someone who posts a question.)

Born the son of a Billingsgate market porter at the height of WW2, he spent his early life dodging bombs and bullies, both with impish good timing. He worked as an electrician before taking up acting and through a natural talent for making people laugh, found himself working with the leading lights of British comedy in the 1960s and '70s: Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Bob Monkhouse and Ronnie Barker. Barker would become a mentor to David, leading to hugely successful stints in Porridge and Open All Hours.

In 1981, kitted out with a sheepskin jacket, a flat cap, and a clapped-out Reliant Regal, David found the part that would capture the nation's hearts: the beloved Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter in Only Fools and Horses. He also enjoyed an award-winning spell as TV's favourite detective Jack Frost, took a country jaunt as Pop Larkin in The Darling Buds of May, and even voiced a crime-fighting cartoon rodent in the much-loved children's show Danger Mouse.

Add comment | Report
DavidJason Thu 17-Oct-13 13:20:41

grannyactivist

I am one of the very few who didn't watch any of the programmes that your name has become synonymous with.........we had no TV. However, that situation changed some years ago when I was given a video of Frost as a Christmas gift and I confess to becoming hooked on the feisty Denton Detective.
My question is this: In what way (if any) did your comedy roles prepare you for playing Jack Frost?

It's a good question - when I read the book Frost, I thought the character and the plot was so original and interesting, but one of the things that was lacking was any humour. And everyone in the country at some time or another has some humour in their lives. I was determined that I wouldn't make him as morose in the book or as other television detectives had been in the past. So, with my background, I decided to add some humour, which I enjoyed.

Add comment | Report
DavidJason Thu 17-Oct-13 13:18:17

Wallygrom

Sir David Jason - what an honour! Have loved everything you have ever done, a huge fan and tireless watching over and over again.....
You have clearly had an eventful and busy life and its taken you a long time to write your autobiography - what made you decide to do one now and how long did this take to write as I imagine you have had to be very selective i regard to content? Also if I may pose a final question - we all have the odd skeleton in our closets - do you have one that you would be prepared to divulge that isn't in the book?
thank you for making me laugh over the years and for bringing some happiness into my life x

Well, it's taken me a year to write it (and that means not every day of the week!) to gather all the photos and anecdotes from my past. No there isn't anything, and if there was I wouldn't tell you! ...but thank you for asking.

Add comment | Report
DavidJason Thu 17-Oct-13 13:16:11

shysal

The roles you have played are so very diverse, and you seem to have avoided being type cast, which I find amazing. Do you have an immediate idea of how you are going to portray a new character or does it develop as you rehearse?

Well thank you for that question - I think you've more or less answered it in your phrasing because it grows or develops organically from rehearsal. It all gestates during rehearsal, because I don't go with any preconceived ideas - I like it to grow.

Add comment | Report
DavidJason Thu 17-Oct-13 13:14:46

SimpsO

The episode in Only Fools and Horses where Del's baby is born had our whole family in tears - was there a similar atmosphere when it was being made?

Yes. The characters in Only Fools and Horses, we had grown up with them, and to arrive in a situation where a new generation is born (he had been very footloose) and he had now moved on, it was a very moving moment - and is for anybody who's had a child. It was nearly as moving as it would be in real life.

Add comment | Report
Pittcity Thu 17-Oct-13 13:13:29

It was revealed on the One Show that you were 'The Phantom Raspberry Blower Of Old London Town'!
Do you have any other hidden talents?

Add comment | Report
DavidJason Thu 17-Oct-13 13:13:15

positivepam

Sir David, I have to say it really is an honour to be able to talk to you. You have brought many hours of entertainment in many different ways and I have cried tears of joy and laughter and sorrow through the many different parts that you have brought to our screens. I am really looking forward to the updated "Open All Hours" that you are bringing back to us and so happy to hear that Gladys Emmanuel will be there also. I am sure it must have brought some happy and sad memories and thoughts of other talented comedic actors that are no longer with us.
I hope you continue giving us your wonderful talent as long as you can and of course want to.
Have you any new parts in the pipeline and could I ask what if any sort of role would you not consider taking on?
My very Best Wishes to you and again, thank you so much for the many years you have given to us and to personally thank you for helping me through some sad times in my life when I wanted to cry tears of sadness and you made me laugh and cry tears of pure joy. For that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. XX.

Well first of all, thank you positivepam - what a rewarding message. Yes of course there are parts that I wouldn't play, for example, heavy, violent characters, graphic sexual parts or anything that would encourage cruelty of any sort. They wouldn't interest me.

Add comment | Report
DavidJason Thu 17-Oct-13 13:10:39

J52

Sir David, hello. Like you I grew up in a London that was a very different place from today. When I watch your characterisations I think of the diverse, 'true Londoners' who lived in our street. Are your wonderful characters based on people you grew up surrounded by? They remind me of so much. Are they written a out in the book? Cannot wait to read it. Regards

On the whole, no. I do not take the characters from people I know. That was the case of John Sullivan (of Only Fools and horses). Though I did base Derek Trotter on an amazing character I met in the East End of London I was working for as an electrician. I never forgot him. When I was putting together that character, I remembered him - he was the inspiration.

Add comment | Report
DavidJason Thu 17-Oct-13 13:07:57

gillybob

Hello Sir David, what an honour!

My question is in two parts; Out of the many varied roles you have played the one that probably springs to most peoples mind first will be that of "Del Boy" Trotter. I never tire of watching episodes of "Only Fools and Horses" and still find them extremely funny. I wonder do you have a favourite role and do you prefer playing comedy or straight characters best?
Thank you.

That's a difficult question, but they both have very different disciplines and I enjoy both extremes very much. The part I think that I'm most proud of is Scullion in Porterhouse Blue because that won me a Bafta for a drama performance. So I'm very proud of that.

Add comment | Report
LaraGransnet (GNHQ) Thu 17-Oct-13 13:04:32
User post image

Sir David Jason was born in 1940 in North London. His acting career has been long and varied: from his theatre work in the West End to providing voices for Mr Toad from The Wind in the Willows, Danger Mouse and The BFG; and from Open All Hours and The Darling Buds of May to his starring roles as Detective Inspector Frost in A Touch of Frost and, of course, Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter in Only Fools and Horses.

We are delighted to be doing a webchat with him to mark the publication of his long-awaited autobiography, My Life (and <whoop> we have a signed copy for someone who posts a question.)

Born the son of a Billingsgate market porter at the height of WW2, he spent his early life dodging bombs and bullies, both with impish good timing. He worked as an electrician before taking up acting and through a natural talent for making people laugh, found himself working with the leading lights of British comedy in the 1960s and '70s: Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Bob Monkhouse and Ronnie Barker. Barker would become a mentor to David, leading to hugely successful stints in Porridge and Open All Hours.

In 1981, kitted out with a sheepskin jacket, a flat cap, and a clapped-out Reliant Regal, David found the part that would capture the nation's hearts: the beloved Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter in Only Fools and Horses. He also enjoyed an award-winning spell as TV's favourite detective Jack Frost, took a country jaunt as Pop Larkin in The Darling Buds of May, and even voiced a crime-fighting cartoon rodent in the much-loved children's show Danger Mouse.

He's here!! And ready to answer your questions.

Add comment | Report
pamelaJEAN Thu 17-Oct-13 12:45:45

Hi David,

Congratulations on your fantastic career, just love Only Fools and Horses, and I am really excited about the the Christmas Open All hours..... such good viewing for all the family. My question to you is have you any regrets in life!! Do you think you would have enjoyed working in a corner store!???

Add comment | Report
petitpois Thu 17-Oct-13 12:44:14

I love the royals. What did the queen say to you?

I think I'd be completely starstruck if I met you. Is there anyone you've met in your career who you've been starstruck by?

Any good gossip? wink

Add comment | Report
applepie Thu 17-Oct-13 12:35:17

Hello <waves> I was wondering how you felt about Operation Yewtree? Do you feel betrayed by former colleagues?

Add comment | Report
SimpsO Thu 17-Oct-13 12:32:19

The episode in Only Fools and Horses where Del's baby is born had our whole family in tears - was there a similar atmosphere when it was being made?

Add comment | Report
copycat Thu 17-Oct-13 12:31:28

Hi David! If you don't mind me asking, when and why did you get knighted?

Add comment | Report
LyndaW Thu 17-Oct-13 12:30:53

Hello David (or should I call you Sir David?)

Do you like being called Sir, or do you feel uncomfortably formal? It's an honour of course but I'm not sure how I'd feel about it in everyday life!

Congratulations on a magnificent career. We are big Only Fools fans in our house. My husband always teased my middle son of looking a bit like Rodney actually! Now he's older he's able to take the ribbing of course!

In your career, what has been your highlight so far?

And on another query altogether, what did you think when it came out that you had a 'starring role' in the new Bridget Jones Diary?

Add comment | Report
golfpro Thu 17-Oct-13 12:26:04

Hello David
What challenges do you face being an older father? Do you find people are for the most part accepting or have you faced criticism? And moving on from that what is the best thing in your opinion about being an older father?

Add comment | Report
joannapiano Thu 17-Oct-13 09:23:47

Hello Sir David. I come from Edmonton too.
My husband is a retired Met officer and is always watching repeats of "Frost". My question is, how is your real-life brother, who featured as the collator "PC Trigg", in the series?

Add comment | Report
dockacre Wed 16-Oct-13 09:29:50

Hello David,

I knew you through my cousin Raymond Jeffers. I have a photo of us all in Raymond's garden in North Finchley.

He often speaks about you and when you were young. If you would like his address, please email me at: [email protected]

All the best,

Jane Plumb

Add comment | Report
positivepam Fri 11-Oct-13 23:21:21

Sir David, I have to say it really is an honour to be able to talk to you. You have brought many hours of entertainment in many different ways and I have cried tears of joy and laughter and sorrow through the many different parts that you have brought to our screens. I am really looking forward to the updated "Open All Hours" that you are bringing back to us and so happy to hear that Gladys Emmanuel will be there also. I am sure it must have brought some happy and sad memories and thoughts of other talented comedic actors that are no longer with us.
I hope you continue giving us your wonderful talent as long as you can and of course want to.
Have you any new parts in the pipeline and could I ask what if any sort of role would you not consider taking on?
My very Best Wishes to you and again, thank you so much for the many years you have given to us and to personally thank you for helping me through some sad times in my life when I wanted to cry tears of sadness and you made me laugh and cry tears of pure joy. For that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. XX.

Add comment | Report
POGS Fri 11-Oct-13 18:32:38

Dear David.

How wonderful to be able to have this personal contact with you.

I am not an avid reader but I love everything that Tom Sharpe wrote. I know you were in 'Porterhouse Blue' but do you not think you would be suited to many of his other works such as 'The Throwback' or 'Vintage Stuff'. I think the humour in his writing is so you. Let's face it you are the master of comedy acting, not everyone can pull it off.

I think 'Only Fools and Horses' will be the favourite to many of us. The skill of the writer and the skill of the actor is epitomised in 'Only Fools'. The ability to make us laugh out loud one minute and then cry buckets in the next is just marvellous.

You Sir are simply a treasure and I hope your 'Open All Hours' Christmas special is a total success.

Add comment | Report
mariesahelper Fri 11-Oct-13 13:02:54

would you say its too late to start acting career at 57, and what would you do to get started if it was you. Good news about granvill,i have started my Christmas lists, your at the top of my t.v. must watch specials for xmas, I hope that you make more than one, the country needs some nostalgic/up to date clean family comedy, to bring some smiles to faces in these hard times, and to bring together family viewing.

Add comment | Report
Maniac Wed 09-Oct-13 17:10:36

We got our first TV in the mid 60s and I seem to remember a comedy series where you played a rather inept detective (or spy) We enjoyed it so much and the whole family were your devoted fans from then on.Have I imagined it? -never repeated or mentioned in your credits.
Did you enjoy your time living in Bristol -my home town for last 25 years?

Add comment | Report
grannyactivist Tue 08-Oct-13 23:41:02

I am one of the very few who didn't watch any of the programmes that your name has become synonymous with.........we had no TV. However, that situation changed some years ago when I was given a video of Frost as a Christmas gift and I confess to becoming hooked on the feisty Denton Detective.
My question is this: In what way (if any) did your comedy roles prepare you for playing Jack Frost?

Add comment | Report
nancy22 Fri 04-Oct-13 11:34:49

Hi there. You are a fantastic actor who can turn your hand to any role and I have to say I have loved them all. Have you got anything in the pipeline for doing any Christmas specials and who was the funniest person you were paired up with? Regards

Add comment | Report
J52 Fri 04-Oct-13 08:47:18

Sir David, hello. Like you I grew up in a London that was a very different place from today. When I watch your characterisations I think of the diverse, 'true Londoners' who lived in our street. Are your wonderful characters based on people you grew up surrounded by? They remind me of so much. Are they written a out in the book? Cannot wait to read it. Regards

Page 2 of 3 | First | Previous | Next | Last
| Flip | Customise |