Sir David Jason has revealed he is ‘trying desperately’ to be cast in roles.
The 84-year-old actor is best known for playing Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter in the BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses, which ran from 1981 until 1991.
After airing 16 Christmas specials as well, the show eventually ended in 2003.
Sir David also starred as Detective Inspector Jack Frost in A Touch of Frost, Granville in Open All Hours and Still Open All Hours, and Pop Larkin in The Darling Buds of May, as well as voicing several cartoon characters including Mr. Toad in The Wind in the Willows, the BFG in the 1989 film, and the title characters of Danger Mouse and Count Duckula.
However, despite his experience, Sir David has admitted there’s been a lack of opportunities for not only himself, but other older actors.
As his 85th birthday approaches, the actor is intending to keep working for as long as his mind and body allows, but is having trouble securing work.
‘I’m trying desperately to convince producers and directors that I’ve got many characters still left to play,’ he said.
‘Senior actors have got a tremendous amount to offer,’ he added when speaking to the Radio Times.
Sir David’s latest screen role was co-presenting a BBC series titled David & Jay’s Touring Toolshed alongside The Repair Shop star Jay Blades.
Blades has since been charged with controlling and coercive behaviour against his wife, which he has denied and is set to face a trial before a Crown Court jury.
Sir David confirmed there wouldn’t be a follow-up series, adding that he was ‘open to offers’ for new TV projects.
Despite not appearing as Del Boy in over 20 years, Sir David said he still felt the ‘ghost’ of the character.
However he did say his ‘biggest reward has been having such a fulfilling career for so many years’.
Last month Sir David revealed despite his numerous accolades, he still had one acting regret.
‘My real disappointment or regret was that I always wanted to be a National Theatre player,’ he said during an interview on BBC Breakfast.
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‘I always wanted to be on the stage of the National Theatre.
‘It was just that romantic image of playing in those big productions, with those big, wonderful actors. That never happened.’
The actor added that it may be too late for him, saying he doesn’t think his memory would be ‘good enough’ now.
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Only Fools and Horses is streaming on ITVX.
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