Paul Danan, the talented actor best known for his role as bad boy Sol Patrick in Hollyoaks, has tragically passed away at the age of 46.
The actor, who became a household name in the late 1990s and early 2000s through the Channel 4 soap, leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and a life filled with both triumphs and struggles. His management confirmed the heartbreaking news, describing Danan as “a beacon of light to so many.”
In their statement, they added, “It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of @pauldanan. His untimely departure will leave irreplaceable voids in the lives of all who knew him.”
Danan, who trained at the prestigious Italia Conti drama school in Woking, joined the cast of Hollyoaks at just 19 years old. His portrayal of Sol Patrick, a rebellious yet endearing character, quickly won over fans.
Nominated for Best Actor at the Inside Soap Awards in 1999, he left the show in 2001 after his character was falsely accused of murder. Despite his departure, Danan often expressed a desire to return to the teen soap, saying in interviews, “Sol had so much more to give, and I always felt connected to him.”
Following his success on Hollyoaks, Danan attempted to break into Hollywood, but his time in Los Angeles was marred by excessive partying, which he later admitted derailed his career. In the mid-2000s, he returned to British television as a contestant on Celebrity Love Island in 2005 and 2006.
Though he didn’t win, he became a fan favorite for his candidness and humor. Calum Best, his friend and co-star on the show, described him as “one of the funniest, kindest, and most real people I’ve ever known—a creative genius.” Best added, “Life wasn’t always easy for him, but he faced it with such heart and courage.”
Danan’s struggles with substance abuse and mental health were well-documented. He spoke openly about his battle with addiction, which began in his teenage years, and his ongoing efforts to maintain recovery. On The Jeremy Kyle Show in 2019, he candidly shared, “I have to work hard at it every day to keep in recovery.”
However, lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a particularly challenging time for Danan, as he revealed in 2022 that a relapse had left him homeless. Despite these setbacks, he remained committed to overcoming his demons, stating in interviews, “Every day is a new chance to rebuild.”
Tributes poured in from colleagues and friends who remembered Danan as a kind and genuine soul. Former EastEnders star Michael Greco shared, “Paul was a genuine and caring man in a world that can often feel fake.
He just wanted to make everyone happy.” DJ Fat Tony called him “one of the sweetest men,” while actor Dean Gaffney said, “You had your demons, but my God, you had a heart of gold.” Fellow actor Adam Deacon echoed these sentiments, writing, “Paul was a compassionate person who left a lasting impression on everyone he met.”
Danan’s career extended beyond acting. In 2020, he founded Morning After Drama, a theatre company in Bristol that offered free workshops to vulnerable groups. He had plans to expand the initiative through a charity, The Other Side of Morning CIC, aimed at supporting community projects across the UK.
His dedication to helping others was evident in his social media updates, where he frequently shared news of fundraising efforts. Presenter Hayley Palmer, who worked with Danan on Love Sport Radio, recalled their recent exchanges, saying, “Paul invited me to a concert just weeks ago. Our last messages were telling each other, ‘I love you.’”
Danan also ventured into podcasting, hosting The Morning After With Paul Danan from 2019 to 2023. The podcast provided a platform for him to discuss his personal experiences and connect with fans.
His last Instagram post, a video audition for the Shakespeare play Twelfth Night, revealed his enduring passion for acting. “It’s beautiful and exhilarating to dive into new work,” he wrote, reflecting his love for the craft that defined much of his life.
In addition to his public battles with substance abuse, Danan faced health issues in recent years. A former smoker, he developed a lung condition after excessive vaping, which left him in intensive care with pneumonia.
He later revealed that a nurse warned him of the potential need for an oxygen tank if he continued smoking in any form. Despite these challenges, Danan remained resilient and focused on creating a positive impact.
Paul Danan’s contributions to television extended beyond Hollyoaks. He appeared on various reality shows, including Celebrity Big Brother, where he hoped to revive his career. He also featured in Celebrity Coach Trip and Channel 4’s sketch comedy programme The Kevin Bishop Show. As a child actor, he appeared on CBBC’s The Queen’s Nose as Melody’s agent Max, showcasing his versatility from a young age.
His colleagues in the entertainment industry mourned his loss deeply. Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace, a close friend, wrote on Instagram, “Paul Danan… my darling man… I will cherish all our happy memories.
RIP, you beautiful, amazing, talented human.” Hollyoaks alum Chelsee Healy and Gemma Atkinson also expressed their sorrow, with Atkinson calling him “such a lovely, lovely guy.”
Danan’s tragic passing leaves behind his nine-year-old son, Deniro, and a legacy of love, laughter, and resilience. As his friend Danniella Westbrook poignantly shared, “From our days at school to all the years we’ve shared, my world has just stood still.
Rest in peace, my best friend.” Paul Danan will be remembered not only for his talent but also for his unwavering humanity and the light he brought into the lives of those who knew him.
