Danny Dyer, the 47-year-old actor known for roles in EastEnders and The Football Factory, has opened up about his career trajectory, addiction, and the themes of his latest film Marching Powder. Speaking in London, Dyer reflected on his diverse fanbase, which ranges from ravers who remember his role in Human Traffic to middle-aged women drawn to his character in the hit series Rivals.
Dyer acknowledged his past struggles with typecasting, having played working-class men in violent, drug-fueled films that earned him both adoration and ridicule. 'I was an icon and a legend, or a joke,' he said, noting that critics have since softened their view. His new film Marching Powder, a collaboration with director Nick Love, follows a middle-aged football fan grappling with cocaine addiction and violence, a role Dyer says contains 'a lot of me'.
On the subject of cocaine, Dyer dismissed the idea that it is a class-specific drug. 'Cocaine is classless ... everyone's at it,' he stated, addressing criticism that the film glamorises drug use. He defended the film's authenticity, saying it does not 'sneer at the culture' but aims to show a realistic slice of life.
Dyer also discussed male violence, suggesting it stems from a combination of nature and nurture. He pointed to absent father figures as a factor driving young men toward gangs and tribalism, which he compared to football hooliganism. 'It’s all about postcodes now,' he said, noting that street gangs have replaced some of the violence seen in the 2000s.
Despite the gritty themes, Dyer remains upbeat about his career renaissance. He described the success of Rivals as 'a revelation', adding that those who once mocked him have 'disappeared' as public opinion shifted. His film Marching Powder is now in cinemas.
