With his cheeky smile and boyish good looks, Paul Danan quickly won an army of fans when he strolled into Hollyoaks as Sol Patrick in 1997. But when he left the soap four years later, his life spiralled out of control as he became hooked on drugs and his plan to crack Hollywood soon crumbled.
Paul, who has died aged 46, once claimed he'd spent more than £1 million putting himself through rehab over the years in a bid to get himself clean.
His problems started when he quit Hollyoaks to avoid becoming "typecast" and still in his early twenties - decided to try and land some movie roles in the US.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583506613/1737436879/articles/sqDRuCaDQ1737456495592/3181414723.jpg]
Just a few weeks ago, he spoke of his regret over leaving the Channel 4 soap. "Back then, everyone didn't want to be the next Ken Barlow," he explained.
"You wanted to go off and play different roles, especially when you're a real actor." Sadly, after three-and-a-half years in Los Angeles, he had to admit defeat, explaining later that his issues with drugs were to "self-soothe" after the acting parts failed to materialise.
Leading the tributes, his pal Calum Best said, "Life wasn't always easy for him, but he faced it with such heart and courage, and that inspired so many of us." Calum, who fronted an ITV2 travel series with Paul in 2006, also described him as "one of the funniest, kindest and most real people he'd ever known, and a "creative genius".
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583506613/1737436879/articles/sqDRuCaDQ1737456495592/3774237347.jpg]
Former EastEnders actor Michael Greco remembered him as "a genuine and caring man who just wanted to please everyone". His Albert Square co-star Dean Gaffney agreed, "You had your demons, but my God you had a heart of gold, RIP Mr Paul Danan." Big Brother star Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace wrote on social media, "I'm so shocked and heartbroken, my darling man, I will cherish all our happy memories."
Announcing his death last Thursday, Independent Creative Management said, "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." The news came just one day before he'd been due to appear at Warrington Magistrates' Court, charged with possessing several bags of cocaine and some cannabis, and for driving while under the influence of drugs in the Cheshire town.
While his cause of death has not been made public, police said it was not being treated as suspicious. A statement from Avon and Somerset Police said he was found dead at 5.20pm last Wednesday by officers attending a property in Brislington, Bristol.
Paul broke into acting with minor parts in EastEnders as a kid, before attending London's Italia Conti drama school.
He was just 19 when he landed the role in Hollyoaks and his fan favourite character Sol was a heartthrob on the soap, last seen fleeing the village with girlfriend Jess Holt in 2001.
Paul decided he'd take his chances in America and moved to LA, claiming he'd had several near misses with film parts.
"But I tried to party and do well, and you can't become a Hollywood star if you are partying as well," he explained in a radio interview last year.
Back in the UK, he needed a way to earn a living. "I was young," he explained. "I came back very skinny with a t...
Paul, who has died aged 46, once claimed he'd spent more than £1 million putting himself through rehab over the years in a bid to get himself clean.
His problems started when he quit Hollyoaks to avoid becoming "typecast" and still in his early twenties - decided to try and land some movie roles in the US.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583506613/1737436879/articles/sqDRuCaDQ1737456495592/3181414723.jpg]
Just a few weeks ago, he spoke of his regret over leaving the Channel 4 soap. "Back then, everyone didn't want to be the next Ken Barlow," he explained.
"You wanted to go off and play different roles, especially when you're a real actor." Sadly, after three-and-a-half years in Los Angeles, he had to admit defeat, explaining later that his issues with drugs were to "self-soothe" after the acting parts failed to materialise.
Leading the tributes, his pal Calum Best said, "Life wasn't always easy for him, but he faced it with such heart and courage, and that inspired so many of us." Calum, who fronted an ITV2 travel series with Paul in 2006, also described him as "one of the funniest, kindest and most real people he'd ever known, and a "creative genius".
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583506613/1737436879/articles/sqDRuCaDQ1737456495592/3774237347.jpg]
Former EastEnders actor Michael Greco remembered him as "a genuine and caring man who just wanted to please everyone". His Albert Square co-star Dean Gaffney agreed, "You had your demons, but my God you had a heart of gold, RIP Mr Paul Danan." Big Brother star Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace wrote on social media, "I'm so shocked and heartbroken, my darling man, I will cherish all our happy memories."
Announcing his death last Thursday, Independent Creative Management said, "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." The news came just one day before he'd been due to appear at Warrington Magistrates' Court, charged with possessing several bags of cocaine and some cannabis, and for driving while under the influence of drugs in the Cheshire town.
While his cause of death has not been made public, police said it was not being treated as suspicious. A statement from Avon and Somerset Police said he was found dead at 5.20pm last Wednesday by officers attending a property in Brislington, Bristol.
Paul broke into acting with minor parts in EastEnders as a kid, before attending London's Italia Conti drama school.
He was just 19 when he landed the role in Hollyoaks and his fan favourite character Sol was a heartthrob on the soap, last seen fleeing the village with girlfriend Jess Holt in 2001.
Paul decided he'd take his chances in America and moved to LA, claiming he'd had several near misses with film parts.
"But I tried to party and do well, and you can't become a Hollywood star if you are partying as well," he explained in a radio interview last year.
Back in the UK, he needed a way to earn a living. "I was young," he explained. "I came back very skinny with a t...
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New UK (Digital) - 1 Issue, January 27, 2025