Sir David Jason says Ronnie Barker taught him "humility".
Ronnie Barker
The 'Open All Hours' actor appeared alongside the late comedian in the classic BBC sitcom, and he picked up a lot of important lessons during their time together on set.
Appearing on ITV's 'Lorraine' on Thursday (26.11.20) and addressing Ronnie's modesty, he said: "Touching on that point, that is part of where I learned that ... let me put it this way, a touch of humility if you like, and a team player.
"I learned that from Ronnie. Not only was he one of the most talented people that I ever had the good fortune to work with, but he was also one of the nicest.
"The thing about Ronnie ... I can't help smiling when I talk about Ronnie, because he was like that in real life."
The life lessons have served the 'Only Fools And Horses' legend well over the years, and he blasted actors who become big-headed after a "little touch of fame".
He added: "You are a part of a team, and part of a journey together to make a programme. Enjoy it, it's a journey, not the arrival.
"There are some people, especially in our business, that get a little touch of fame and it seems to affect their brain somehow and they think they are elevated into being something special, something more than human, if you like.
"That annoys me intensely because they forget that without the team, they wouldn't even be on television."
And the 80-year-old star - who hit the milestone age in February this year - played down the idea of growing old, and insisted he still feels like he's in his mid-30s.
He added: "Listen - physically, maybe, but mentally, not at all. I'm still 35. I still have that attitude of mind, if you like!"
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