> Skip to content
Play sample
  • Published: 1 August 2014
  • ISBN: 9780099581161
  • Imprint: Arrow
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 400
  • RRP: $22.99

David Jason: My Life




The long-awaited autobiography of one of Britain’s best-loved actors, and the star of Only Fools and Horses.

Winner of the National Book Awards Autobiography of the Year

The long-awaited autobiography of one of Britain's best-loved actors

Born the son of a Billingsgate market porter at the height of the Second World War, David Jason spent his early life dodging bombs and bullies, both with impish good timing. Giving up on an unloved career as an electrician, he turned his attention to acting and soon, 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.

It wasn't until 1981, kitted out with a sheepskin jacket, a flat cap, and a clapped-out Reliant Regal, that David found the part that would capture the nation's hearts: the beloved Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter in Only Fools and Horses. Never a one-trick pony, he had 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.

But life hasn't all been so easy: from missing out on a key role in Dad's Army to nearly drowning in a freak diving accident, David has had his fair share of ups and downs, and has lost some of his nearest and dearest along the way.

David's is a touching, funny and warm-hearted story, which charts the course of his incredible five decades at the top of the entertainment business. He's been a shopkeeper and a detective inspector, a crime-fighter and a market trader, and he ain't finished yet. As Del Boy would say, it's all cushty.

  • Published: 1 August 2014
  • ISBN: 9780099581161
  • Imprint: Arrow
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 400
  • RRP: $22.99

About the author

David Jason

Sir David Jason was born in 1945 in North London. His acting career spans decades with him being the voices of Mr Toad from The Wind in the Willows, Dangermouse and The BFG. From Open All Hours to 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, he is a true national treasure.

He lives with his wife Gill, and their daughter Sophie Mae, in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

Also by David Jason

See all

Praise for David Jason: My Life

As good as it gets ... so much on every page ... a great, great book.

Chris Evans

It's a romp of a chronicle, a life according to Del Boy, the ultimate cheeky chappy.

Daily Telegraph

How the son of a market porter gave up a career as an electrician to become one of Britain's most successful and best loved actors ... the long awaited story...

Independent

The book is terrific.

Richard Bacon

It really is a life story, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Matt Baker, The One Show

Jason's account of his 'busy and fulfilling life' is as genuinely genial as the man himself ... his hugely likeable memoirs reveal he's had the last laugh.

Daily Mail - Book of the Week

He comes across as hugely likeable and approachable.

Daily Mail

Touching, funny and warm-hearted.

Sunday Mirror

Touching and funny ... it really is a top read.

Sun

Written with real charm.

Guardian

Affable, humble and unpretentious.

Metro

Lovely-jubbly.

ES Magazine

An engaging and entertaining read.

Daily Express

I absolutely loved reading this because it was just like [he] were talking to me.

Lorraine Kelly

An exceptional man who’s led an exceptional life…The book is wonderful ... It made me laugh a lot and then it made me quite weepy at times as well

Jo Whiley

Now his autobiography is out in paperback and reading it is like having the man himself talk to you from the comfort of his armchair. It’s a fascinating insight into a lost world … A true gent.

Sun