The day Danger Mouse trumped Del Boy! Sir David Jason reveals hilarious interaction as he touched down in the US

Although he’s best known in Britain as lovable rogue Del Boy, it was Sir David Jason’s starring role as a cartoon rodent that sent a US customs officer hunting for his autograph book.

The official had no idea who Sir David was until he spoke – when the man immediately recognised the distinctive voice of Danger Mouse.

A household name to millions over here for such catchphrases as ‘lovely jubbly’ from his years as Del Boy in Only Fools And Horses, Sir David is far more famous to Americans for the words, ‘Penfold, shush!’

He was at Miami airport, he recalls, when the man checking his passport asked him about his title: ‘The customs officer said, “Sir David Jason. Why are you called Sir?”, and when I said I’d been honoured by the Queen for work in the theatrical business, he said, “Wait a minute. Did you do Danger Mouse? I grew up with Danger Mouse! Would you be so kind as to give me your autograph?’’’

The official had no idea who Sir David Jason, pictured, was until he spoke – when the man immediately recognised the distinctive voice of Danger Mouse

Sir David, 84, was the voice of the animated secret agent from 1981 to 1992

Sir David, 84, was the voice of the animated secret agent from 1981 to 1992, with fellow comedy legend Terry Scott as his hapless assistant Penfold (left). Unlike Only Fools and Horses, where a planned US version was axed after two disastrous pilots, Danger Mouse became a huge hit on both sides of the Atlantic.

Recounting the tale in his new memoir This Time Next Year: A Life Of Positive Thinking, Sir David admits ‘it gets a bit tiring’ being endlessly recognised as Del Boy, comparing it to ‘carrying the eternal ghost of Derek Trotter’ on his shoulders.

But he says he enjoys being recognised by childhood fans for his voice work, which also included Danger Mouse spin-off Count Duckula.

‘Only when it happens does it occur to me, and I go, “Oh, that’s wonderful”’ meaning, “I’m so pleased that it’s reached you, whoever you are, and given you pleasure when you were growing up.”’