Sir David Jason, 85, hits out at modern-day audiences as he swipes ‘they don’t talk to each other!’
Sir David Jason has criticised modern-day audiences, claiming “they don’t talk to each other” anymore.
Speaking to Ranvir Singh on Lorraine, the 85-year-old acting legend reflected on his long career and the changes he has seen in the world of entertainment.
Recalling how Only Fools and Horses once drew in a staggering 24 million viewers, Jason noted: “Today we have a different world, a different viewing world.”
Mimicking people texting on their phones, he added, “They don’t talk to each other!”
Reflecting on the golden days of TV, Jason said: “That was the time when the whole family sat down and watched television together.”
He also offered a pointed critique of certain actors’ “bad behaviour” within the industry.
Reflecting on his own success, he said: “I have thought about this because of the stories you hear inside the business about people’s behaviour, sometimes the behaviour is quite bad.”
While gently refusing to share specific anecdotes, he told Singh he wouldn’t “dare” name names or “gossip,” and added: “I’ve always kept my feet firmly planted on the ground but I don’t get carried away with fame.”
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“What I do is because I came into the acting profession because of the love of acting and because I never wanted it to affect me, I wanted to be part of the team and that’s stayed with me forever.”
Expressing disbelief at those who take their privileged positions for granted, he said: “I can’t quite understand the people who behave so badly, when you consider it’s a luxury job in a luxury business.”
He also shared fond memories of his time on beloved TV shows.
“I have been very fortunate in being part of so very many memorable series,” he added.
Reflecting in particular on The Darling Buds of May, he described it as “a romantic time”, and explained: “What I liked about it was that it was so heartwarming- there was no swearing, no sex, none of those irritating things that sometimes get on people’s nerves.
“It was just a genuine, light-hearted, wonderful time of trying to show what country life was really all about. That does bring back a lot of fond memories.”
His comments come as Jason has voices his concerns over the shrinking number of roles for older actors.
Sharing his motivation to keep acting, he told Radio Times last year, “I’m trying desperately to convince producers and directors that I’ve got many characters still left to play. Senior actors have got a tremendous amount to offer.”