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Sir David Jason is not the only actor in his family.
The Only Fools and Horses star, 81, has a secret sibling with an impressive acting CV of his own – and he even inspired legend David to get into the trade.
Sir David was born David John White and his brother Arthur White was first to tread the boards as he is seven years older than his famous brother.
Arthur is best known for playing Ernie Trigg in the crime drama A Touch of Frost – which David plays the lead role of Detective Jack Frost.
(Image: ITV / Rex Features)
That is not the only show they have worked on together, as back in 1991 Arthur starred alongside brother David when he appeared in two episodes of The Darling Buds of May as Uncle Pearce.
As well as bagging several roles on stage, talented Arthur has taken part in a number of Britain’s top-class TV dramas such as Heartbeat, Holby City, Doctors, Family Affairs, London’s Burning and Grange Hill.
(Image: Jon Furniss/WireImage.com)
David shared on how his brother gave him a hand up in the acting world back in 2013 in an article he penned for the Guardian.
The Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter star explained: “It was Arthur who helped secure my first big break in the theatre and life came full circle when I recommended him for a part in [A Touch of] Frost – and he went on to appear in 27 episodes. It was great having him around.”
Sharing on how Arthur ventured into acting, David added: “[He] was the first in the family to take up acting. Returning home from National Service, he declared that he fancied being a thespian and duly won a scholarship to Rada.
(Image: BBC Worldwide)
“I can remember the family crowding round excitedly at home to listen to his debut appearance in the long-running BBC radio drama serial Mrs Dale’s Diary.”
David’s face is soon to be on a stamp to mark 40 years since Only Fools and Horses began.
Royal Mail is releasing a set of stamps for the occasion that will feature Sir David and his hapless brother Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst) appear with a host of co-stars from Trigger (Roger Lloyd Pack), Boycie (John Challis), and Raquel (Tessa Peake-Jones) to Cassandra (Gwyneth Strong), Marlene (Sue Holderness) and of course Uncle Albert (Buster Merryfield).
The full set of 12 stamps costs £16.20 at Post Offices from February 16.
