Only Fools and Horses: The star who’s ‘more famous’ for fleeting role than for winning Oscar
The actor said 'it’s by far the most recognition I get on the street is for Only Fools'
Award-winning actor Jim Broadbent admits that his is recognised more for his brief stint on Only Fools and Horses than even his Oscar win. The 72-year-old has starred in a string of TV shows and films over the years, but playing Roy Slater in three episodes of the hit sitcom seems to be the role that has stuck with him.
In a recent interview with radio presenter Gaby Roslin for her podcast, the star recalled: “I only went in for three episodes – never allowed to forget it.” Jim added: “I saw one the other day, Class Reunion, and it was on and I sort of hovered by the sofa.
“And then I sat down and watched it right through. It was extraordinary. It’s quite non-PC some of it now. It’s sort of ‘oooh’, it’s 30 years ago.” Jim, expressed that he would often get stopped in the streets because of it, saying: “But still it’s by far the most recognition I get on the street is for Only Fools.”
The film star played DCI Roy Slater in the BBC sitcom in 1983, 1985 and in 1991 alongside acting legends David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst. A decade on from his last appearance as Roy, Jim bagged himself a Academy Award for 2001 feature film, Iris. The actor then starred in a number of movies including Harry Potter, Bridget Jones’s Diary and Paddington.
In Harry Potter, fans will remember him for having played Professor Slughorn, who was first introduced in the sixth film in the franchise, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Jim played Samuel Gruber in the Paddington film series, and Mr Jones in Bridget Jones’s Diary.
