Sir David Jason, famed for his role on Only Fools and Horses, has stressed the importance of “keeping your feet on the ground” despite getting knighted nearly 20 years ago
Sir David Jason doesn’t like fans referring to him as “Sir” – because he wants people to realise he’s just a normal bloke.
The 84-year-old actor was knighted in December 2005 from the late Queen Elizabeth II for his outstanding contribution to comedy. However, David, who was in Only Fools and Horses, insists he’s just the bloke next door and eschews any Royal title that comes with it.
The TV legend, who has won four BAFTAs including two for Only Fools and Horses, prefers to keep things down-to-earth. Speaking about his approach to fame, he said: “I’ve got a knighthood … It doesn’t make me feel that I’m special, or that you ought to get down on one knee when you speak to me because I am a Sir. I hardly ever use that title, though I have one.”
He believes in humility, adding: “What I’m sort of saying is I’m trying to let the success be with me but not change me.” David emphasised the importance of staying grounded: “The most important thing is being able to keep your feet on the ground.”
His journey to stardom has been humbling: “That journey that I’ve travelled to achieve such success, that I am very proud of in a way, the way that journey revealed itself it’s made me keep my feet on the ground.”, reports the Daily Star.
Recalling his early acting days and missed opportunities, like not getting the part of Lance Corporal Jones in Dad’s Army, helps him maintain a level-headed perspective amidst fame. Conversely, Jason isn’t a fan of reality stars’ instant fame and feels many lack the ability to handle sudden success.
He further elaborated on the Full Disclosure podcast: “With this celebrity instant fame which you get on those shows where everybody takes their clothes off and walks round looking very beautiful.”
“The section of those people who become, I would say, very popular, or well known, or famous even, they haven’t got any of the background of actually working and enjoying the process. They’re famous for being famous.”
