Paul Danan’s final voice notes reveal addiction struggles and support for friends

Paul Danan’s final voice notes have surfaced following his tragic death on January 15, offering a poignant look into his ongoing struggles with addiction and the support he provided to others facing similar battles. 

The former Hollyoaks actor, who passed away at 46 after a fall at a luxury apartment near Bristol, had been working to rebuild his life, and these voice notes, shared by comedian Daniel O’Reilly (Dapper Laughs), offer insight into his mindset during his last days.

Danan and O’Reilly formed a close friendship after starring together in a 2020 West End play, bonding over their shared experiences with addiction. In the voice notes, Danan can be heard checking in on O’Reilly, offering encouragement. “My brother, just thought I’d touch base really see how you are, how you’re feeling. All that jazz. Your therapist Pauly is here,” Danan says in one message, showcasing his characteristic warmth and humor.

O’Reilly, who had been candid about his own addiction struggles, shared these voice notes on his TikTok, where Danan’s response to his decision to go completely sober is particularly uplifting. “So so happy. I know that. I know, I know Dan, I know you are. I know you’re one of us,” Danan says. He reassures his friend that they are “the best of ourselves” without the influence of drugs or alcohol, emphasizing the strength that comes with sobriety. “We’re better, we’re the best of ourselves without it. With it, it makes us weaker,” he adds.

The voice notes not only highlight Danan’s commitment to recovery but also his deep friendship with O’Reilly. Their conversations centered around their personal struggles with addiction, and Danan often offered words of wisdom, urging his friend to embrace sobriety. “That’s me, that’s f*****g me. Don’t you think I wanted to [use substances]? I don’t anymore because I know that I don’t need it,” he states in another voice note, offering insight into his own journey toward healing.

Following Danan’s death, O’Reilly shared a heartfelt tribute, recalling how his friend had been a guiding force in his life. “Paul actually helped me change my life,” O’Reilly wrote, reflecting on how Danan was the first to identify his alcohol problem and introduce him to recovery programs. He also fondly remembered their humorous moments together, like their playful banter during rehearsals. O’Reilly noted that Danan “made the process a hell of a lot easier for me” during his recovery.

Despite his own struggles, Danan remained determined to support others. At the time of his death, he had been living in a “dry house” in Bristol, committed to staying sober. He had also been active in helping others by working with a local organization, Morning After Drama, which provides support for people in recovery. Danan gave talks at meetings, sharing his story in hopes of inspiring others to seek help.

The voice notes shared by Dapper Laughs stand as a testament to Danan’s influence on those around him. His final messages, which blend humor, honesty, and wisdom, continue to inspire even in his absence. They provide a powerful reminder of his dedication to self-improvement and his unwavering commitment to helping others navigate the difficult path to recovery.