Only Fools and Horses star David Jason's devastating co-star admission
The Only Fools and Horses legend opened up about his relationship with his former co-star.
Open All Hours Opening
Sir David Jason opened up about his decades-long friendship with comedian and friend Ronnie Barker during his recent talk held in London. An Evening with Sir David Jason sees the legendary actor and comedian share behind the scenes secrets from his illustrious stage and screen career, from Only Fools and Horses, Open All Hours, The Darling Buds of May, A Touch of Frost and many more.
The 86-year-old's roles in British sitcoms like Only Fools and Horses and Open All Hours catapulted him to the spotlight and he has long credited comedy actor Barker for having a huge impact on his career. But in a candid admission, the actor opened up about a moment between the pair that had left him depressed.
While filming Open All Hours Sir David explained that after rehearsing all week they would film an episode to a live audience on Sunday. "I realised that's how the comedy was shaped," he explained, "I was the guy that fed Ronnie the lines in order for him to get the laughs—to get the joke." After a few episodes, Sir David became aware that Ronnie was getting the laughs. He went on: "I became a little depressed."
The comedy actor eventually pulled Sir David aside to address why he had been feeling down. When Sir David came clean, Barker explained that the young actor had to "learn the trade".
However, that evening the late actor went home and wrote a sketch for Sir David that placed him centre stage of Open All Hours*. This allowed the Granville Arkwright star to make his mark on the BBC show and ensured Sir David received plenty of laughs from the audience, for which he remained grateful to his friend and co-star.
Barker, who starred in Porridge and The Two Ronnies, died peacefully at his home aged 76 in October, 2005, after a long period of heart trouble.
He was one of the most loved and respected comedy performers of his generation, and he was best known as one half of a double act with Ronnie Corbett.
At the time of his death, David said: "He was a very dear friend and someone for whom I had the greatest respect.
"Working with Ronnie was always a joy and were without doubt some of the best years of my career. The world of entertainment has lost a huge talent."
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