David Jason: My Life

De: David Jason

Narrado por: Michael Fenton Stevens

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. With an introduction narrated by David himself.

©2013 David Jason (P)2013 Random House Audiobooks

A truly wonderful listen!

Seldom have I had the good fortune to read (listen) to such an entertaining, amusing and well written autobiography. I became acquainted with Mr. Jason's "Jack Frost" persona through watching his sterling performances on the series "A Touch of Frost" which was shown here in Canada, but otherwise, I knew little about his acting career or life. He writes about himself with great humour and humility and the descriptions of his friends, co-actors and family bring them all to life. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a really good "listen"!

Brilliant

Fabulous book told in the lighthearted way that only the brilliant David Jason can. I really enjoyed his stories and could not stop listening to this. So many smiles, and a few tears, what a gracious, clever, and amazing man he is.
He has created so many great characters and he is always his wonderful authentic self. If there was an actor I would be proud to meet, it is he. If you are a fan you need to read this

Entertaining account of a succesful showbiz career

David Jason is a hugely successful actor by any measure. Viewing figures, financial success, and the admiration of the public and his peers. For us, seeing him as Sir David, with his many BAFTA awards, it might be difficult to imagine that there was a time before Only Fools And Horses. Jason recounts those days, telling of his childhood in Finchley, his family life, his first forays into amateur dramatics and his move into professional theatre. He tells of his early television work in the 1960s with Do Not Adjust Your Set, how he was bypassed for Corporal Jones in Dad's Army and Frank Spencer in Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em, and how he eventually landed the roles for which he is best-known. The stories of making A Touch Of Frost are interesting, who knew that the cast played pranks on one another during location shoots?
Jason also talks a little about his personal life. His love for his family is clear, and it's nice to see how that developed with his girlfriend Myfanwy Talog and wife Gill Hinchcliffe.

The book is almost a textbook of how a dedicated actor can succeed in his career if he never gives up, works hard, and makes some difficult choices.

Michael Fenton-Stevens makes a very professional job of the reading, putting a lot of humour into the anecdotes and doing a few voices sparingly, so that it doesn't distract from the text.

Thoroughly enjoyable

A well-written, witty, and touching memoir, "My Life" - the title's blandness notwithstanding - enjoyably captures the small and big moments that made one of my favorite actors. I found myself having to pause the audio at a few spots because I couldn't hear the reading over my laughter. I found myself feeling happy and proud for the author at the end (no spoilers). David Jason's gift for writing is rare among college graduates, and the fact that he never attended even drama school makes this book that much more exceptional. Michael Fenton Stevens again delivers a rich performance, perfectly portraying the author's personality.

Superb

Such a good book to listen to hear the life story of such a talented man. As well hearing about Ronnie Barker & Nick Lyndhurst & other favourite actors. P. S. The episode of Only Fools & Horses with the inflatable dolls was my favourite