Sir David Jason stands as one of Britain’s most beloved actors, renowned for iconic roles like Del Boy Trotter in Only Fools and Horses and Detective Jack Frost in A Touch of Frost. Born David John White on February 2, 1940, in Edmonton, London, he rose from humble beginnings as an electrician to knighthood in 2005 for his contributions to acting and comedy. This comprehensive guide explores his early life, breakthrough roles, awards, family, recent projects, and more, offering fans and newcomers an in-depth look at his remarkable six-decade career. Discover how Jason’s sharp comic timing, dramatic depth, and enduring popularity have shaped British television, from Peckham market stalls to frosty crime scenes. Learn about his voice work in animated hits like Danger Mouse, live tours in 2026, and personal milestones, including fatherhood at 61. With over 900 words of original insights, this article delivers scannable facts, practical details for fans attending his shows, and answers to top searches on the comedy legend.
Early Life Origins
David Jason grew up in a working-class family in North Finchley, London, attending Northfield Secondary Modern School after failing the 11-plus exam in 1951. Influenced by his older brother Arthur White, an actor, he trained as an electrician for six years before pursuing performing arts full-time. His stage name ‘Jason’ drew from the film Jason and the Argonauts, not a tribute to a twin as sometimes rumored.
These modest roots fueled his resilience, shaping characters rooted in everyday struggles. By the 1960s, he debuted on TV in Crossroads as Bert Bradshaw, honing skills in shows like Do Not Adjust Your Set alongside future Monty Python stars.
Career Breakthrough Roles
Jason’s big break came in 1976 as Granville in Open All Hours, the bumbling grocer’s nephew opposite Ronnie Barker, running for four series until 1985. He then exploded into stardom in 1981 as Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter in Only Fools and Horses, the ambitious Peckham trader with his brother Rodney, amassing 64 episodes and 24 specials through 2003. Catchphrases like ‘He who dares wins’ entered British lexicon, making the sitcom BBC’s most-watched with 24.3 million viewers for its 1996 finale.
Shifting gears, he voiced secret agent Danger Mouse from 1981-1992 and Count Duckula, showcasing vocal versatility. These roles cemented his status as a national treasure by the late 1980s.
Dramatic Turn Frost
From 1992 to 2010, Jason portrayed grumpy Detective Inspector Jack Frost in ITV’s A Touch of Frost, solving murders across 42 episodes in Denton, Yorkshire. The series blended gritty procedurals with personal pathos, earning him drama acclaim after comedy dominance. His Frost, widowed and flawed, ran for 18 years, ending with a two-part finale watched by millions.
Awards Accolades Honors
Jason secured four BAFTA TV Awards, including for Only Fools and Horses in 1991 and A Touch of Frost in 1997. He claimed seven National Television Awards, four British Comedy Awards, and a 2003 BAFTA Fellowship for lifetime achievement. Knighted on December 14, 2005, at Buckingham Palace, he joins ranks with comedy peers like Ronnie Barker.
Additional honors include TV Quick Awards for Frost annually from 2000-2002 and a 2001 British Comedy Lifetime Achievement. In 2006, ITV voters named him Britain’s greatest TV star.
Personal Life Family
Jason nursed partner Myfanwy Talog through breast cancer for 18 years until her 1995 death. At 61, he fathered daughter Sophie Mae with make-up artist Gill Hinchcliffe on February 26, 2001; they married in 2005 and reside in Buckinghamshire. In 2023, DNA tests revealed Abi Harris, 52, as his daughter from a 1970s fling, whom he now embraces.
His brother Arthur White appeared alongside in Only Fools and Frost. Jason values privacy, crediting family for grounding his fame.
Recent Projects Updates
In 2026, Jason returns as Granville in Open All Hours: Inside Out, a 90-minute U&Gold special marking 50 years since 1976, featuring new scenes by Roy Clarke. He tours with An Evening with Sir David Jason, sharing anecdotes at venues like Birmingham Hippodrome on March 8 and Wales Millennium Centre. Pinewood Studios honored him with a named road for Father & Son filming.
At 85, he reflects on Only Fools reunions, telling chats no more episodes post-creator John Sullivan’s death, but sketches persist.
Practical Fan Information
Catch Jason live: 2026 tour tickets from £30-£60 via venues like The Lowry or Hippodrome; shows start 7:30 PM, last 2 hours with Q&A. Travel by train to Birmingham New Street (5-min walk to Hippodrome) or National Express coaches; parking £10-15 nearby.
Expect stories from Del Boy falls to Frost cases, no autographs post-show. Dress smart casual; arrive 45 mins early for best seats. VIP meet-and-greets £100+ include photos; check accessibility for wheelchair spots. COVID rules lifted, but masks advised indoors; kids under 14 need adult.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is David Jason?
Sir David Jason, born 1940, is a knighted English actor famed for Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses (1981-2003) and Jack Frost (1992-2010). His versatile career spans comedy, drama, and voice acting over 60 years.
What is David Jason’s real name?
Born David John White, he chose ‘Jason’ inspired by Jason and the Argonauts. He hails from Edmonton, London, and started as an electrician.
How old is David Jason?
As of 2025, he turns 85 on February 2. Active at 85, he tours and stars in specials like Open All Hours 2026.
What are David Jason’s famous roles?
Top roles: Del Boy Trotter, Granville (Open All Hours), Pop Larkin (Darling Buds of May), Jack Frost, Danger Mouse voice. He appeared in 100+ TV credits.
Is David Jason knighted?
Yes, knighted in 2005 by Queen Elizabeth II for drama and comedy services. He received four BAFTAs and seven National TV Awards.
Does David Jason have children?
Two daughters: Sophie Mae (born 2001) with wife Gill Hinchcliffe, married 2005; Abi Harris (born 1970), discovered via 2023 DNA test.
What is David Jason’s net worth?
Estimated £7-10 million from sitcom royalties, Frost fees, books, tours. Only Fools specials paid £500k+ each.
Is David Jason doing live shows?
Yes, 2026 ‘An Evening with’ tour hits UK theaters March onward. Tickets £35 average; expect Del Boy tales and clips.
Why did Only Fools end?
Finale 2003 drew 24 million; no revival post-John Sullivan’s 2011 death. Jason did Sport Relief sketches since.
Where does David Jason live?
Buckinghamshire village of Ellesborough with family. He avoids London spotlight for quiet life.
What is David Jason’s next project?
Open All Hours: Inside Out 2026 special on U&Gold, plus tour dates. No full Only Fools return confirmed.
Can I meet David Jason?
VIP packages at tours offer photos; standard shows have no meets. Follow socials for fan events; charity appearances occasional.
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