This week, I’m stripping off and going down on the colourful journey of Daniel O’Reilly, (aka Dappa Laughs) exploring the highs and lows that have shaped his life and career.
Dapper reflects on losing everything, and the huge fallout he faced with the public after he was CANCELLED! From the early days of crafting characters to the unexpected challenges of being branded “pro rape” by the media, I delve into the relentless storm of scrutiny Dappa has faced.
Amidst the chaos, I uncover the huge support that sustained him through the darkest of times as he sheds light on his struggles with addiction and mental health.
“For about 3 or 4 years, I’d just drink and sniff coke. I was just out. I was just hiding from my life, escaping my life.”
And just when you thought we’d covered it all, we’ll explore the profound impact of fatherhood and the delicate balance of comedy and sensitivity. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the Dapperverse, there’s something here for everyone. So, without further ado, let’s peel back the layers and uncover the man behind the personas.
Who is Daniel O’Reiley:
Daniel O’Reilly, better known as Dapper Laughs, burst onto the comedy scene with a bang, blending laughter with controversy. Born on June 17, 1984, in the UK, Dapper rose to fame through social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Vine, captivating audiences with his bold and unapologetic humour.
His big break came with the ITV2 series “Dapper Laughs On the Pull,” but the show’s cancellation after one season due to criticism marked a pivotal moment in his career. Things took a darker turn in 2014 when resurfaced jokes about sexual assault sparked widespread backlash, leading to a public downfall.
Daniel took a step back, shedding the Dapper Laughs persona to focus on personal growth and reflection. In his personal life, he is still with his childhood sweetheart Shelley Rae, and together, they’re raising their two daughters while expecting another child very soon!
Beyond comedy, Dapper is no stranger to the world of combat sports, showcasing his skills in boxing. His notable victory against TikTok star Simple Simon at York Hall further solidified his reputation as a strong force in the ring.
Dapper celebrated 500 days of sobriety on February 24, 2024, marking a huge milestone in his journey of self-discovery and redemption.
Key takeaways:
Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Dapper’s story teaches us the importance of resilience in navigating life’s challenges. Despite facing intense scrutiny and career setbacks, he chose to confront his demons and come out stronger. His journey underscores the power of resilience in overcoming adversity and crafting a new path forward.
Personal Growth and Redemption: By stepping away from his controversial persona and focusing on self-improvement, he demonstrated the transformative power of reflection and the ability to redefine yourself in the face of adversity.
Embracing Sobriety and Prioritising Mental Health: Dapper’s milestone of celebrating 500 days of sobriety highlights the importance of prioritising mental health and well-being. His journey serves as a reminder that seeking help and embracing sobriety can lead to positive changes in everyday life. Dapper’s story inspires us to prioritise our mental health and seek support when needed, which in turn will lead to a happier and healthier life.
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 – Intro
1:17 – Dapper’s Backstory
4:43 – Being Branded Pro Rape – Losing the TV Show into Losing Everything
8:30 – How was the relationship with the missus during and after this time?
9:36 – Support Network
10:25 – Do you ever miss it or do you see it differently now?
12:35 – What was the turning point?
16:17 – Mindset
20:03 – Where did the ideas for the characters come from?
21:10 – How do you test things between jokes and social media accounts?
23:43 – Taking Control of Brand, Distribution, Business, Self-Promotion
26:43 – Getting a Completely Different Audience from Podcasting
29:18 – How has being a father changed you?
30:07 – Has Being a Dad Affected Work or Are They Separate?
31:01 – How do you do Comedy without risking offending someone?
35:28 – 2 Films Out, 1 On The Way – How did they come about?
41:11 – Perspective
44:47 – Misfits Boxing, Cage Fight and Training around Sobriety
51:41 – Do you fear slipping out of sobriety again?
53:00 – How has the friendship circle changed since being sober?
55:41 – What’s Next to Look Forward to with Dapper?
56:14 – Conclusion
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