Sir David Jason’s surprising career shift: How ageing is redefining his acting journey

For several decades fans of legendary actor Sir David Jason have celebrated his impressive body of work on the screen.

Whether it be his breakthrough role as Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter in the iconic sitcom Only Fools and Horses or his portrayal of Detective Inspector Jack Frost in the crime drama A Touch of Frost, his ability to seamlessly transition from comedy to more serious roles has consistently enthralled audiences.

However, in a recent interview, Jason shared how his approach to acting is evolving. He revealed that he now would like to pursue more voiceover roles in animated projects, citing challenges in memorising lines as he ages.

“One of the great things that I would like to do more of is making characters out of cartoons I think. I really enjoy that,” he told the Full Disclosure podcast. 

“It’s characters like that I really would like to play because at my time of life it’s not as easy to learn the lines as it used to be.

‘But I can still invent the characters and I enjoy that process.

“So if you’re out there and wanting to employ a senior citizen, I’m with you.”

Jason was forced to put his career aspirations on hold recently after cancelling a public appearance to undergo surgery.

The 84-year-old was set to greet fans during a Meet Sir David Jason Convention in 2023, however, he had to postpone after revealing that he needs to get a “new bionic body part fitted”.

At the time, Sky News was informed by Jason’s agent that he was to undergo hip replacement surgery.

“I am so very sorry for the disappointment and all the inconvenience it may cause but we are having to change the date for the forthcoming Only Fools and Horses Convention,” Jason said in a statement at the time.

“Unfortunately, I have just been advised I need to have a new bionic body part fitted (I won’t tell you which part it is, or you will all want one!) and don’t worry it’s not being supplied by Monkey Harris, it’ll be the pukka gear.

“I am so very sorry for the disappointment and all the inconvenience it may cause but we are having to change the date of the forthcoming Only Fools and Horses Convention.

“These events are such an enjoyable celebration for myself and the rest of the Only Fools cast, and it is such a privilege to meet so many of you, but I want to do it with the smile on my face I always have had.

“Once again, please accept my sincere apologies as it was not a decision I took at all lightly and I hope that you understand my situation. All cushty wishes until then.”