Danny Dyer has confessed to being astonished by his own remarkable career resurgence, transitioning from a series of box office disappointments in the 2000s to achieving BAFTA-winning status and international recognition for his role in the hit series Rivals. The 48-year-old actor candidly discussed reclaiming his position as a national treasure after years of being dismissed as a mere punchline, in a revealing new interview with Rolling Stone UK, where he graces the magazine's bold cover surrounded by three lions.
From Laughing Stock to Critical Acclaim
Sporting a characteristically striking ensemble for the photoshoot, Danny lifted his sunglasses to gaze directly into the camera, wearing a red zip-up jumper and jeans, creatively paired with a collared shirt and a tie featuring a lobster pattern. Since his departure from EastEnders in 2023, his career has skyrocketed, culminating in winning the Male Performance in a Comedy BAFTA for his role in Mr. Bigstuff last year.
His portrayal of wealthy businessman Freddie Jones in the Disney+ adaptation of Jilly Cooper's Rivals has not only brought him global attention but also prompted a significant reassessment of his acting abilities. This marks a stark contrast to his earlier struggles, when his film career faltered, leading to financial hardship as many of his movies went straight-to-DVD.
A Struggle to Accept Newfound Success
Danny admitted that he has found it difficult to comprehend his recent critical acclaim, having long been perceived as "a bit of a laughing stock." He revealed that years in the industry have taught him not to take criticism personally, emphasizing that his motivation is not driven by awards or fame, but rather by his commitment to providing for and caring for his family.
He stated: 'It’s been a surprise to me, all of a sudden, that I’m being acknowledged by the critics that have just seen me as a bit of a laughing stock over the years. I’m so long in the game now, I don’t take anything to heart. What I’m doing is not trying to change the world. I’m not claiming to be Marlon Brando; I’m just providing for my family, and as an actor that’s a really difficult thing to do. Can I keep working? Can I keep paying bills? Can I give my family a good life? That’s essentially what my drive is and that’s what I’m in it for. If, along the way, people want to dig me out for some of the films I’ve done in the past, then that’s fine.'
Overcoming Financial and Professional Setbacks
Just over a decade ago, Danny found himself in a dire financial situation, describing himself as "broke and desperate," relying on nightclub appearances to make ends meet following a string of cinematic failures. The West Ham enthusiast had previously squandered a promising stage career under the mentorship of playwright Harold Pinter, after a 24-hour crack cocaine binge caused him to forget his lines during a Broadway performance.
His film production company, Old Mother Media, collapsed with debts amounting to £30,000, primarily owed to tax authorities. Danny attributes his past financial troubles to starring in a succession of what he calls "s*** films," most notably the 2013 comedy Run For Your Wife, which was heavily criticized and earned a mere £747 in its opening weekend.
Reflecting on that period, he said: 'I was on my a**e. I was f***ed. I had made too many bad films. I’d had my shot and made some good stuff. I had resorted to going to nightclubs and waving off balconies. That chips away at your soul that I’ll tell ya. Where do you go from there?'
The Turning Point: EastEnders and Beyond
Danny credits his role as Mick Carter on EastEnders as the pivotal moment that rescued his career and life. Recalling the offer in 2013, he shared that he was so financially strained he couldn't afford to buy the BBC executives a celebratory drink. He explained: 'They said, "Listen we want you to come in the show, take over the Queen Vic" and at the time I was skint and I just had about enough petrol money to get there, that's the truth. They thought I was a multimillionaire and I met them in the hotel and I walked in absolutely skint, not a bean about me. I thought, I hope they don't ask me to get them a lager because I’ve got no dough.'
Despite his internal excitement, he played it cool, saying he would consider the offer, only to express his joy privately afterward. He added: 'I was like, "Wow, I want to do a cartwheel in front of them" but I thought, "Play it down, don't show your bolt too early." I went, "I'll think about it" and then I walked out and I did a couple of backflips on the way out! I played it right down, I didn’t want to look desperate and I was desperate.'
Current Success and Future Prospects
Today, Danny's circumstances have dramatically improved. Recent accounts filed at Companies House show that his company, Arty Bucco, generated £1.4 million in the last financial year. Following his television triumphs and lucrative advertising deals with brands like Sky and Paddy Power, his net worth is estimated to exceed £5 million, not including assets such as his home.
He was visibly emotional when accepting his BAFTA award last May, stating: 'What a touch! Comedy performance. I thought my acting was so bad it was funny. F***ing hell, I'm choked up.' In a conversation with Esquire, Danny reflected on his career evolution: 'People saw me in a different light [in Rivals], and it came out just after Mr. Bigstuff, which, for once, shows a bit of versatility, because Lee is so different to Freddie. I've made a lot mistakes over the years. I've said yes to a lot of jobs I probably shouldn't have, probably because I was driven by the dollar – I had bills to pay and kids in private schools. Now, I'm at a stage where I have loads of offers that I've got the power to say no to. I think I'll be defined by what I say no to, and it's really exciting for me.'
The April/May issue of Rolling Stone UK is currently available, featuring this in-depth interview with Danny Dyer.
