Near the end of World War II, I think I was about four years old, we were in a canvas shelter at home with my mom and dad. When the bombs fell and I got scared, my mother hugged me and said, “It’s okay, don’t worry. Only God moves the furniture.” That reassured me. I have never forgotten that. Every time there’s a thunderstorm, I always remember that and calm down.
When I was a boy, humor was a way of life. I think I was about 8 or 9 years old when I met a bunch of young people in a pretty tough area. And since it was so small and skinny, I had to figure out how to avoid getting hit. So I quickly realized that if you make someone laugh, you’re more likely to become a friend than an enemy.
The beauty of acting is that you can hide your insecurities and embarrassment by pretending to be someone else. It can make you bold, tough or romantic. It can turn you into something you are not.
From very humble beginnings to winning a BAFTA, I am always conscious of all that I have achieved. Coming from a poor working class family, I am extremely proud to have been knighted by the Queen for my services to theatre.
One of my biggest inspirations was Ronnie Barker. He gave me the best advice. “You are your own currency. Spend it wisely.”
I think my happiest moment was when I was working on a play called “No Sex Please, We Are British” on stage in the West End. I lived in a small apartment not far from a theater in London. I would get through the morning, do some chores, go see friends, and then head to the theater to make some great evening entertainment. There was nothing to do but go to the theater to make people laugh.
Anyone involved in the performing arts should not take themselves too seriously. I often hear that acting is grand and difficult, but that’s something you should never do. You have to enjoy it, and your audience has to enjoy it too.
I started modeling during the pandemic when we were all stuck at home. I’m a little addicted to it. When I’m concentrating or working quietly by myself, I like to listen to Gregorian chant. There’s something really nice and comforting about it.
Marriage isn’t always easy, but it can also be fun. I was very lucky to live with someone I truly love and get along with.
Growing older is wonderful and fun when you’re so much younger. It gave me more confidence and responsibility. But I’ve been there and done that, and I don’t enjoy it as much as I used to.
I want to be remembered as the man who couldn’t stop making people laugh, and in doing so, he made himself laugh.
This Time Next Year: A Life of Positive Thinking by David Jason is published by Century, £22. Buy from Guardianbookshop.com for £19.80
