David Jason Net Worth 2025: How Rich Is the Only Fools and Horses Legend?

Q: What was David Jason’s biggest TV role?

He is best known as Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses, though he also starred in A Touch of Frost.

David Jason Net Worth 2025: From Del Boy to Knighted National Treasure.

Few names in British television carry as much affection and weight as Sir David Jason (born David John White in 1940). A celebrated actor, producer, director, and occasional writer, he is beloved for his role as Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses and as Detective Inspector Jack Frost in A Touch of Frost. Jason’s career spans more than six decades, making him one of the most versatile and enduring figures in British entertainment — and with his long success on stage and screen, he has amassed a fortune worth millions of pounds.

Del Boy Trotter from Only Fools and Horses wearing a sheepskin coat, red turtleneck, gold chains, and flat cap while smoking a cigar.

David Jason as Del Boy Trotter in Only Fools and Horses, dressed in his trademark sheepskin coat, flat cap, and gold jewellery — the ultimate wheeler-dealer look.

What is David Jason's Net Worth?

As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at around £7 million — though exact figures remain private, and this should be regarded as an estimate based on available contracts, royalties, and public records.

Early Life and Humble Beginnings

David Jason grew up in Finchley, North London, and worked as an electrician before pursuing acting. He trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and his earliest television roles were modest, including small parts in comedies and children’s shows including 'Do Not Adjust Your Set' which ran from 1967-1969. These years brought little financial reward, but they gave him the grounding for his breakthrough.

The Only Fools and Horses Era

Jason’s defining role came in 1981 when he was cast as Derek “Del Boy” Trotter in John Sullivan’s Only Fools and Horses. The sitcom grew into one of Britain’s most beloved shows, regularly pulling in audiences of 15–20 million at its peak according to the The Guardian and a record 21.3 million people tuning in to watch the BBC Christmas Day special in 2001.

Rodney, Del Boy, and Grandad from Only Fools and Horses smiling together in a classic scene from the BBC sitcom.

Nicholas Lyndhurst as Rodney, David Jason as Del Boy, and Lennard Pearce as Grandad in Only Fools and Horses — one of Britain’s most iconic sitcom trios.

By the mid-1990s, Jason was commanding serious paydays. The 1996 Christmas trilogy, which drew more than 24 million viewers, reportedly earned him up to £100,000 per episode — a staggering sum for British television at the time as reported in The Guardian.

Beyond initial fees, reruns and DVD sales continued to generate residual income long after the final episode aired.

A Touch of Frost and Prime-Time Success

In 1992, Jason took on the role of DI Jack Frost in ITV’s crime drama A Touch of Frost. The series ran until 2010 and cemented Jason as a household name beyond comedy. Though ITV salaries were not disclosed, long-running stars in flagship dramas could earn well into six figures annually, particularly as lead actors The Telegraph. Frost not only broadened Jason’s career but also contributed substantially to his wealth.

Royalties, Books, and Touring

Jason’s earnings extended far beyond acting fees. His memoir Only Fools and Stories (2017) became a bestseller, adding publishing income to his fortune through Penguin Books. More recently, his stage tour An Evening With Sir David Jason has brought in live appearance revenue, a model many veteran entertainers now use to supplement traditional TV contracts.

Controversies and Recent Headlines

In January 2025, Jason made headlines for less flattering reasons when his appearance on BBC Breakfast sparked debate. While promoting his new tour, Jason made comments to presenter Naga Munchetty that some viewers described as “creepy,” though others defended them as harmless banter according to the Evening Standard. The episode highlighted the scrutiny public figures continue to face, even those regarded as national treasures.

Honours and Recognition

Jason’s services to drama were recognised in 2005 when he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, although later expressed disappointment' over being knighted by Queen according to The Express.

This honour cemented his status not just as a comedic legend but as a figure woven into Britain’s cultural fabric.

David Jason’s Net Worth 2025: The Estimate

Putting an exact figure on Jason’s wealth is difficult. Unlike Hollywood stars, UK actors rarely disclose earnings, and syndication royalties are far smaller in Britain than in the US. That said, a career spanning 60 years, record-breaking viewing figures, bestselling books, and lucrative live tours make it reasonable to estimate his fortune at around £7 million.

This estimate aligns with publicly reported salaries from Only Fools and Horses, ITV drama contracts, and later commercial ventures. However, without direct disclosure, any number remains an informed approximation rather than a verified total.

Legacy Beyond Money

For Jason, legacy arguably matters more than wealth. Del Boy’s catchphrases remain part of everyday British culture, while Frost demonstrated his dramatic range. His journey — from a North London electrician to one of the UK’s most decorated and loved actors — shows that fortune, in his case, has always followed talent and timing.

Only Fools and Horses: Episodes, Cast, Legacy and Where They Are Now

Only Fools and Horses first aired on 8 September 1981 and quickly grew into one of Britain’s most iconic sitcoms. Running until 25 December 2003, it spanned seven series, 64 episodes, and 16 Christmas specials, keeping audiences laughing for over two decades. Written by John Sullivan, the show blended quick-fire comedy with heartfelt drama, capturing the resilience and charm of London’s working-class families.

At its heart were Sir David Jason as wheeler-dealer Del Boy Trotter and Nicholas Lyndhurst as his hapless younger brother Rodney.

Supporting them was a colourful cast of characters that became household names: Lennard Pearce as Grandad, Buster Merryfield as Uncle Albert, Roger Lloyd-Pack as Trigger, John Challis and Sue Holderness as Boycie and Marlene, Paul Barber as Denzil, Patrick Murray as Mickey Pearce, Gwyneth Strong as Cassandra, Tessa Peake-Jones as Raquel, Kenneth MacDonald as Mike the landlord, Jim Broadbent as corrupt copper Roy Slater, Roy Heather as café-owner Sid, Denis Lill and Sandra Payne as Alan and Pam Parry, Steven Woodcock as Jevon, and Eva Mottley as Corinne.

The show didn’t just create catchphrases like “Lovely jubbly” and “This time next year, we’ll be millionaires”—it produced moments of real emotion that made viewers feel part of the Trotters’ world. Its legacy includes BAFTA wins, multiple polls naming it the nation’s favourite sitcom, and timeless comedy scenes such as Del Boy falling through the bar.

Fan Favourites: The Top 5 Most-Loved Episodes

Fans still debate which Only Fools and Horses episode is the greatest, but a handful consistently rise to the top:

“Yuppy Love” (1989) – Famous for Del Boy’s legendary fall through the open bar hatch, one of the most iconic comedy moments in TV history.
“Time on Our Hands” (1996) – The so-called “finale,” where Del and Rodney finally become millionaires after discovering a priceless pocket watch in their garage.
“Heroes and Villains” (1996) – The Trotters dress as Batman and Robin for a fancy-dress party, accidentally foiling a crime in one of the show’s funniest set pieces.
“Christmas Crackers” (1981) – The first-ever Christmas special, setting the tone for the festive episodes that became as beloved as the main series.
“The Jolly Boys’ Outing” (1989) – The lads head to Margate for a day trip that descends into chaos, capturing the warmth, humour, and mischief that defined the show.

Only Fools and Horses Where Are They Now?

Many of the cast have since passed on, while others remain active in British entertainment. Sir David Jason, now 85, continues to appear on stage and television, recently launching his live storytelling tour An Evening with Sir David Jason. Nicholas Lyndhurst has largely stepped back from the spotlight, focusing on theatre and coping with personal tragedy after the death of his son in 2020.

Some fan favourites are remembered with great affection: Lennard Pearce died in 1984, his role replaced by Buster Merryfield’s Uncle Albert, who himself passed in 1999. Roger Lloyd-Pack (Trigger) died in 2014, and John Challis (Boycie) passed away in 2021. Kenneth MacDonald (Mike) died in 2001, and Roy Heather (Sid) in 2014. Eva Mottley (Corinne) sadly died young in 1985.

Others are still active: Sue Holderness (Marlene) continues to act in theatre and soaps like EastEnders. Paul Barber (Denzil) appeared in The Full Monty revival, while Patrick Murray (Mickey Pearce) has spoken openly about his health battles with cancer. Gwyneth Strong (Cassandra) and Tessa Peake-Jones (Raquel) both remain on British TV, with Peake-Jones especially known for her role in Grantchester. Denis Lill (Alan Parry) still appears in dramas like Midsomer Murders, while Jim Broadbent (Roy Slater) went on to Hollywood success, winning an Oscar and joining the Harry Potter franchise.

Together, the cast’s stories mirror the mix of joy and sadness that the show itself captured so perfectly. Decades after the final episode, Only Fools and Horses remains more than a sitcom—it’s part of Britain’s cultural DNA, with characters who still feel like old friends.

David Jason FAQ's

Where does David Jason live now?
He lives in Ellesborough, Buckinghamshire, with his wife and daughter.

How old was David Jason when he became a father?
He was 61 when his daughter Sophie Mae was born in 2001.

What was David Jason’s biggest TV role?
He is best known as Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses, though he also starred in A Touch of Frost.

Does David Jason still earn money today?
Yes. He continues to receive royalties, licensing fees, and book income, even though he no longer acts regularly.