Danny Dyer Opens Up About Fractured Childhood and Shocking Family Secret
In a candid interview on ITV’s new show The Assembly, actor Danny Dyer, 47, revealed a rocky start to life, recalling his father’s harsh words and detailing his shocking double life. The show, which features a celebrity facing questions from a group of autistic, neurodivergent, and learning-disabled people, forced Dyer to cast aside his media training, with no topic off limits.
According to the Daily Mail, Dyer opened up on his previously fractured relationship with his father, Anthony, recalling a heartbreaking childhood moment when his father told him he ‘wasn’t allowed’ to hold his hand anymore. He shared: "My dad just wasn’t a very good dad. He didn’t know how to do it. He told me when I wasn’t allowed to hold his hand anymore. I was trying to cross the road, and I went to hold his hand, and he went, ‘No, we don’t do that anymore’."
The Daily Mail reports that Dyer, who is now a proud father to daughters Dani, 28, and Sunni, 18, along with son Arty, 11, says he wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if he didn’t have a relationship with his offspring. He continued: "I was like, s**t. I don’t understand how men put their head on the pillow knowing that they have children out there that they just don’t have a relationship with – I couldn’t do it."
The actor also discussed his discovery that his dad was leading a secret life away from his family. As quoted by the Daily Mail, Dyer shared: "My dad was living two lives, so he was sort of raising us and then I always remember on Christmas Day, he would disappear for a few hours, so what he was doing was going across London to his other family, and he had two daughters… Just think about that – crazy. How could you do that? When my mum found out my sister was nine months old or something, so it was a real moment of clarity. How the f**k did he do that by the way?"
In a surprising twist, Dyer claims he is now very close to his dad, stating, "I am very close to my dad now because again, he deserved another shot, and if there is still no relationship, it’s their loss, because you are an incredible human-being."
The Daily Mail also reports that Dyer previously spoke of his father in 2021, revealing his real name is actually Danial Dyer – because his father misspelt Daniel on his birth certificate when he was ‘off his nut’. The star thinks his dad Antony was ‘battered’ when he was given the responsibility of filling in his birth certificate, and as a result, his moniker was accidentally set as Danial rather than the conventional spelling of Daniel.
Dyer, who has always planned to change his name to Danny, admitted that he thought "Danny was a better name, it has a better ring to it." Born in Custom House, East London, in 1977, Dyer’s parents split up when he was just aged nine.
The actor’s appearance on The Assembly has provided a unique insight into his childhood and family life, showcasing a more vulnerable side to the TV star. As reported by the Daily Mail, Dyer’s willingness to open up and share his experiences has sparked a significant reaction from viewers, highlighting the importance of discussing mental health and family relationships.
Dyer has three children with his wife, Joanne Mas, and it’s clear that being a father has had a profound impact on his life. In the interview, he reflected on the importance of being available for his children, saying: "I caused quite a lot of pain, to my children – the stuff I was getting up to, just being vacant, and not engaging, just not being available… I realised later on, wow, I am going to do everything in my power to be… it’s not about money – you could live in a cardboard box. You have to express yourself. It’s about love, and what children need."
As the interview demonstrates, Dyer’s childhood experiences have had a lasting impact on his life, shaping his perspective on family and relationships. His appearance on The Assembly serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of family dynamics and the importance of communication and understanding.
The complexities of Dyer’s family life have been well-documented, and his decision to open up about his experiences has provided a unique insight into the challenges he has faced. As reported by the Daily Mail, Dyer’s story serves as a testament to the power of forgiveness and the importance of nurturing positive relationships.
Ultimately, Dyer’s story highlights the complexities of family relationships and the challenges that many people face. By sharing his experiences, he has provided a valuable insight into the importance of communication, forgiveness, and the nurturing of positive relationships.
