Yahoo Lifestyle Paul Danan, 'Hollyoaks' Actor And 'Celebrity Big Brother' Star, Dead At 46
Paul Danan, an actor best known for his portrayal of Sol Patrick on the British soap opera “Hollyoaks,” died Wednesday at his home in Bristol, England. He was 46.
Danan’s death was confirmed Thursday morning on social media by his representatives at Independent Creative Management.
“Known for his television presence, exceptional talent, and unwavering kindness, Paul was a beacon of light to so many,” read a statement from ICM in part. “His untimely departure will leave irreplaceable voids in the lives of all who knew him.”
Danan’s cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
News of Danan’s passing drew an outpouring of support from other British actors and public figures, including several of his former co-stars, on social media.
“I’m gutted that Paul Danan’s not here anymore. He was a kind man who genuinely cared about whatever he was doing, and would tell you he ‘luffed you’ at every opportunity,” Joe Tracini, who played Dennis Savage on “Hollyoaks,” wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “We hadn’t spoken in a while, but I’ll miss him, and I’ll always wish I’d called him back xx.”
Michael Greco, whose credits include the BBC soap opera “EastEnders,” felt similarly, writing on X: “So, so sad to read about the passing of Paul Danan. In this day and age of falsities and fake people, he was a genuine and caring man who just wanted to please everyone. A lovely warm man that will be missed by many. R.I.P. Buddy.”
Born to a Moroccan Jewish family in Essex, England, Danan rose to prominence when he landed the part of Sol Patrick on “Hollyoaks” in 1997. He exited the show after four seasons, and went on to appear in the British TV film “Daddy’s Girl” and the children’s series “The Queen’s Nose,” among other projects.
Danan turned his attention to reality television in 2005, appearing on the first two seasons of “Celebrity Love Island.” He was also a contestant on “Celebrity Big Brother” in 2017.
In addition to film and TV work, Danan was an advocate for mental health. In 2020, he co-founded Morning After Drama, an organization aimed at helping people work through trauma and addiction-related issues through acting and improv.
He was also outspoken about his own experiences with drug and alcohol addiction. In June 2024, he was hospitalized for respiratory failure that reportedly stemmed from excessive vaping.
“My family were warned I might not make it through the night. I’m so lucky,” he told The Sun at the time, later calling the incident the “kick up the a**e I needed.”
“I feel like a different person and I’m ready to kick on with my career,” he said. “I’m in the best place mentally I’ve been for ages and can’t wait to see what’s around the corner.”
Danan is survived by an 8-year-old son, DeNiro.
Need help with substance use disorder or mental health issues? In the U.S., call 800-662-HELP (4357) for the SAMHSA National Helpline.
