The actor Brian Jackson, who has died aged 91, enjoyed a career on stage and screen that lasted for nearly six decades. However, he will be best known for a non-speaking role that made him recognisable around the world: as the distinctive Man from Del Monte in a series of memorable television commercials.
A globetrotting fruit taster in search of only the finest examples to go into his products, the Man from Del Monte gave his affirmation – to an ecstatic reception from the nervous growers to whom he was a hallowed visitor – with a simple nod, after which joyous estate workers would proclaim “the Man from Del Monte he say yes!”. Tall, handsome and self-possessed, with a white suit, silver mane and panama hat, Jackson portrayed the businessman in 25 commercials that were shown in more than 30 countries between 1985 and 1991.
