Beloved Only Fools and Horses icon, David Jason, isn’t holding back! The 84-year-old TV legend took a sharp jab at Hollywood stars, calling some “extremely difficult and a pain” to work with, all while opening up about the special bond he shared with his late friend, comedy legend Ronnie Barker.
During a candid chat on The Chris Moyles Show, Jason didn’t mince words when describing how working in the entertainment industry has its fair share of divas. “You hear about these big names from Hollywood being an absolute pain to work with,” Jason quipped, refusing to name names but making it clear that some stars don’t know how to treat their teams with respect.
Jason contrasted those difficult Hollywood types with his close friend and mentor, Ronnie Barker, whom he affectionately called “The Governor.” He shared the heartwarming story of a personal gift Barker gave him upon retiring — a certificate officially passing the “Governor” title to Jason. “He wrote me a certificate in beautiful, old-fashioned writing, saying he was relinquishing the title of ‘The Governor’ to me. It’s now proudly displayed in my downstairs toilet!” Jason revealed.
Despite his praise for Barker’s generosity and team spirit, Jason wasn’t shy about criticizing fellow actors who don’t give the same respect to their colleagues. “Some of these people act like they’re the only ones that matter,” he said, throwing some serious shade at industry elites.
In another recent interview, Jason also vented his frustrations with how his role as Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses has cast a long shadow over his other work. He described the character as a “ghost” that has followed him throughout his career, despite his many other roles in film and TV. “It seems to be the only thing people remember me for,” he said, adding that it’s “slightly upsetting” to have so much of his legacy tied to just one role.
While Jason might be best known for Del Boy, he admits he still has ambitions left unfulfilled. In his new memoir This Time Next Year, Jason revealed that he had hoped to break into Hollywood and was up for roles in two films in 2023. But instead, those parts went to Michael Caine and Jim Broadbent, with Jason wryly commenting, “It’s the hope that kills you.”
Despite the frustrations and Hollywood near-misses, Jason isn’t slowing down. “Hey, National Theatre, I’m available!” he cheekily told viewers during a recent BBC Breakfast interview, proving that even after decades in the business, he’s still got plenty of fight left in him.
