Jackson studied at the University of London and then joined repertory theatre in Sheffield, followed by Coventry, Birmingham and Edinburgh.
[2] He has worked in theatres across the country throughout his career, including a stint as Duke Frederick in Shakespeare's As You Like It and most recently[when?]
Jackson appeared in several television series at the beginning of his career starting with one episode of Man About The House in 1973, followed by Anna Karenina, Till Death..., The Legend of Robin Hood, Play For Today, Doctor Who, One Summer and Fairly Secret Army.
Following the success of this show Jackson appeared in one-off episodes of Maigret, Bugs and Ellington before undertaking a role in the Liverpudlian soap Brookside in 1996–98.
He has since appeared in Murphy's Law, Casualty, Faith, Dream Team and the ITV drama Mobile which was screened in May 2007.