Jackson was educated at King Edward VI Five Ways Grammar School and trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, before beginning his career in repertory theatre.

[2] Jackson's film career included roles in Ryan's Daughter, Barry Lyndon, Aces High, The Raging Moon, Mr. Love, and Wimbledon.

[3] Jackson's television credits included A for Andromeda, The Mask of Janus, Adam Adamant Lives!, Doctor Who, Z-Cars, Dixon of Dock Green, Special Branch, The Troubleshooters, Man at the Top, Doomwatch, Public Eye, Poldark, Oil Strike North, The New Avengers, Blake's 7, The Professionals, Coronation Street, Enemy at the Door, All Creatures Great and Small, Minder, Bergerac, Lovejoy, Casualty, Peak Practice, Silent Witness, Kavanagh QC, The Bill, A Touch of Frost, Holby City, Heartbeat and Midsomer Murders.

[4][5][6] Jackson appeared in Doctor Who in the show's original run, including the stories The Romans, Galaxy 4 and Mission to the Unknown.

This was followed in 1980 by his appearance as farmer Ken Billings in the All Creatures Great and Small episode Matters of Life and Death.