David Jason facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Jason
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Jason in 2012
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| Born |
David John White
2 February 1940 |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1963–present |
| Spouse(s) |
Gill Hinchcliffe
(m. 2005) |
| Partner(s) | Myfanwy Talog (1977–1995; her death) |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Arthur White (brother) |
Sir David John White (born 2 February 1940), known professionally as David Jason, is a very famous English actor. He has played many well-known characters on television. These include Derek "Del Boy" Trotter in the funny show Only Fools and Horses. He also played Detective Inspector Jack Frost in the drama series A Touch of Frost. Other big roles were Granville in Open All Hours and Pop Larkin in The Darling Buds of May.
David Jason has also given his voice to many cartoon characters. He was Mr. Toad in The Wind in the Willows and the BFG in the 1989 film. He was also the voice of the main characters in Danger Mouse and Count Duckula.
In 2005, David Jason was made a knight by the Queen. This was to celebrate his amazing work in acting and comedy. He has won many important awards, including four British Academy Television Awards (BAFTAs) and seven National Television Awards.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
David Jason was born in Edmonton, London, on February 2, 1940. His father, Arthur Robert White, worked at a fish market. His mother, Olwen Jones, was from Wales. David had a twin brother who sadly died at birth.
He chose the stage name "Jason" because he liked the film Jason and the Argonauts. The name "David White" was already being used by another actor.
David went to Northfield Secondary Modern school. After school, he wanted to be an actor, just like his older brother, Arthur White. However, his father told him to learn a trade first. So, David trained to be an electrician for six years. After that, he became a full-time actor. His brother Arthur also appeared with him in shows like A Touch of Frost and The Darling Buds of May.
Starting His TV Career
David Jason began his television journey in 1965. He appeared in a TV film called Mother Goose. In 1966, he played Bert Bradshaw in the show Crossroads.
A year later, he joined the children's comedy series Do Not Adjust Your Set. In this show, he played a funny superhero called Captain Fantastic. He worked with other famous comedians like Eric Idle and Michael Palin. The show was very popular and helped him get noticed.
David Jason almost got some very famous roles early in his career. He was nearly cast as Lance Corporal Jones in the comedy Dad's Army. However, another actor got the part. He also missed out on the main role in Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em.
Voice Acting for Kids' Shows
In the 1980s, David Jason became a very popular voice actor for children's television. He worked a lot with a company called Cosgrove Hall.
He provided voices for many beloved cartoon characters. These included the brave Danger Mouse and the quirky Count Duckula. He also voiced Hugo from Victor and Hugo. One of his most famous voice roles was Mr. Toad in The Wind in the Willows. He also voiced the friendly giant in The BFG film.
Becoming a Leading Actor
A big moment in David Jason's career came in 1981. He was cast as Del Boy Trotter in the BBC comedy Only Fools and Horses. Del Boy was a street-smart trader from south London. He tried to make money by selling all sorts of goods, often in funny ways. He worked with his brother Rodney, played by Nicholas Lyndhurst, and their Grandad. Later, their Uncle Albert joined them. The show became incredibly popular and is still loved by many people today.
David Jason also took on more serious roles. In 1991, he starred as Pop Larkin in The Darling Buds of May. This show was about a happy family living in the countryside. It also featured a young Catherine Zeta-Jones.
In 1992, he started playing Detective Inspector Jack Frost in the long-running series A Touch of Frost. This show was a big success and ran for many years. David Jason became known for playing both funny and serious characters very well.
He continued to appear in new shows and documentaries. From 2013, he returned to play Granville in Still Open All Hours, a new version of the classic comedy. In 2021, he even made a surprise appearance as Del Boy on Strictly Come Dancing.
Awards and Recognition
David Jason has won many awards for his acting. He has received four British Academy Television Awards (BAFTAs). These include awards for his performances in Porterhouse Blue and Only Fools and Horses. He also won a special BAFTA Fellowship award in 2003 for his outstanding career.
He has also won four British Comedy Awards and seven National Television Awards. In 2001, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Comedy Awards. These awards show how much his work is appreciated by both critics and the public.
Personal Life and Interests
David Jason lived with his girlfriend, actress Myfanwy Talog, for 18 years until she passed away in 1995.
In 2001, David became a father at the age of 61 when his girlfriend, Gill Hinchcliffe, gave birth to their daughter. David and Gill married in 2005.
David Jason is also involved in charity work. He supports the Shark Trust, which works to protect sharks around the world. He is also an Honorary Vice Patron of the Royal International Air Tattoo, a big air show. He is even a qualified helicopter pilot!
In 2013, David Jason released his autobiography called David Jason: My Life. He has since released two more books about his career and experiences.
Images for kids
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Jason in 2012
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Jason with Corporal Oliver Kennedy and Hermione Norris at the Sun Military Awards in 2012
See also
In Spanish: David Jason para niños
