Paul Danan was best known for his roles in reality shows and the iconic soap Hollyoaks – but he once landed a role in a major Hollywood movie only to be dropped
Paul Danan revealed that he once lost a role in a huge Hollywood film – sharing the news weeks before his sudden death last month.
The former Hollyoaks star tragically died after reportedly falling and hitting his head at a property in Bristol – and was just 46 at the time of death. The star was best known for his role as Sol Patrick in Hollyoaks from 1997 to 2001, and for appearing on Celebrity Big Brother and the first ever season of Love Island in 2005, back when it was a show populated by celebrities.
He battled various addictions over the years, including alcohol and cocaine addiction, and even claimed to have spent over £1 million seeking help through rehab programs as he battled to control his demons. He had continued to work both in reality projects and in acting roles since his screen debut in 1997.
Later this year, he will appear posthumously as a character named Brian in a murder mystery called Bloody Love. And while the actor appeared in a wide range of shows over the decades, he claimed he was once cast in a massive Hollywood project before he was dropped from the cast.
Paul spoke to the Outlet Ten Discussions Podcast, where he said he was cast in the 2003 film Cheaper by the Dozen. He said, per the Daily Mail: “I got this Steve Martin film, called Cheaper by the Dozen – I was going to play the boyfriend of the daughter, they gave me the part, but then the director bumped into Ashton Kutcher.
“He’d just done Just Married with Brittany Murphy and he [director] said, ‘Oh, I’ve got this English guy, but if you want to do it, Ashton, you can?’ And he [Ashton] went, ‘Yeah, man, I’ll do you a favour.’ And they phoned me and they said, ‘Paul we’re really sorry, we know we said that, you know we loved you, but it’s Ashton Kutcher, for f**k’s sake!'”
Podcast host Anne-Marie asked if he believed everything happens for a reason, and Paul replied: “I mean, I don’t know with that one. That was a hard one. I was meant to work with Steve Martin. My mum loved him, I phoned her and said, ‘Guess f**ing what? I’ve done it!’ You know?
“It did get me down and out there there’s a lot of drugs, there’s a lot of partying, and there’s a lot of gym and wellness and fit people and everyone looks amazing, and I just was on my own. I didn’t have anyone and I was so lonely and it was hard man.” The full interview is due to air on Sunday 2 February.
Paul’s death was announced by Independent Creative PR last month – who revealed in a statement: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of Paul Danan at just 46 years old. Known for his television presence, exceptional talent and unwavering kindness, Paul was a beacon of light to so many.
“His untimely departure will leave irreplaceable voids in the lives of all who knew him. During this difficult time, we kindly request respect and privacy for Paul’s family, friends, and colleagues. No further comments will be made at this time.”
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