David Daker, the British actor best known for playing Harry Crawford in the ITV comedy-drama Boon and for a memorable role in Only Fools and Horses, has died at the age of 90. He passed away on April 30, 2026, though his family chose to delay the public announcement until Sunday, June 22. No cause of death has been disclosed.
Career highlights and early life
Born in Bilston, Wolverhampton, Daker was the youngest of five children. He began acting in infant school and later performed as Long John Silver in a production of Treasure Island at age 13. Despite his parents encouraging him to become a draughtsman, he left the profession after two years to pursue acting, enrolling at the Oxford Playhouse Theatre School. He recalled: 'I simply came home one day and announced that I was finished with a nine-to-five job.'
Daker's television career began with a role as PC Owen Culshaw in the BBC drama Z Cars, appearing in over 80 episodes. He then gained widespread fame as Harry Crawford, the best friend of the title character in Boon, which aired from 1986 to 1992 and drew audiences of up to 15 million viewers across seven seasons.
Notable roles and legacy
In 1982, Daker appeared in an episode of Only Fools and Horses as Tommy Mackay, the violent estranged husband of a woman dating Rodney Trotter, played by Nicholas Lyndhurst. He also featured in other popular sitcoms including Porridge, Coronation Street, and Doctor Who.
News of his death spread through fan pages dedicated to Only Fools and Horses, with tributes highlighting his contributions to British television. Daker's family has requested privacy during this time.
