It is no surprise that we were all in complete shock after Danny Dolan departed from the movie business! From British indie movies to working with movie legends such as the like of Tom Hardy, Danny has now traded in his red carpet for a rather sweaty one as a local gym instructor. But why you may ask? Why would he do this to us? Well I am about to find out, in this exclusive interview Danny gave to…(name of magazine).
Q: So, Danny, I think the million-dollar question is why did the king of movies trade it all in to become a gym instructor?
Being an actor, especially in modern society, is very stressful and extremely competitive. Working long hours every day and constantly having paparazzi on your tail is hard, particularly if you are trying to maintain a private life. I found that not being able to spend time with my friends and family really affected me. Constantly having to memorise lines made me lose my passion for acting. I wasn’t happy, so I started to reconnect with an adolescent hobby of mine: fitness.
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Q: That must have been a real shock to your friends and family. How did they react to this change?
They thought I’d lost my mind! It was difficult for them to understand why I would give up my success to become a fitness coach. They even set up an ‘intervention’ because they thought I’d lost the plot! I know they have my back, so I went with what I love and eventually they saw that.
Q: Seriously? Danny Dolan being intervened? Sounds like one of your movies! I suppose apart from your friends, the other important people in your life are your fans. How did they deal with this?
My fans continue to be supportive, no matter what. I still get Tweets and emails saying “we still love you”, “keep going” and they bring a lot of business to my gym!. Those messages have really been my fuel in the morning - my reassurance that I made the right choice. In some ways I feeI like I let them all down but I know that my true fans cared more about me than my movies!
Q: Is it physically harder than acting? (suggestion; the question sounds rather obvious, maybe try “which do you find more challenging; acting or instructing?” I would cut out this question if you have limited space)
Yeah, being a fitness instructor requires a lot of motivation, drive and strength. I’m talking about getting up really early in the morning, walking into the gym and having to push people to their limits. Like running, life is all about stamina - taking your time and constantly pushing to be better. When I was an actor, we had stunt doubles and that made it easier for us, but now it’s all down to me!
Q: I can’t imagine pushing myself to do anything, other than reaching for the TV remote! I always see before and after pictures on social media, do you see positive results with your clients?
Of course, and there’s nothing greater than that! But I like to think of me as an assistant I support but I don’t change. The power is with the individual. If they want those results they have to work for them! I look at my workouts like military training. I use high intensity training to help people achieve and maintain their goals! My clients know that I will always be around to push them. It excites me to work with different types of people as I tailor each workout to the individual.
Q: Has your food intake changed now you’re a fitness coach?
Of course! Healthy salads, fresh vegetables and no pizza! Crazy right? I’m joking Jack. You know for some movies, we have to become our role and sometimes that meant healthy eating and getting into shape and even more unusually gaining a couple of pounds! But growing up I was never a fussy eater, and I still enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. To me, it’s a bare necessity to have your five a day.
Q: What diet plans do you provide your clients with?
I always give my clients a nutrition plan, but mostly, people need to know that they've got to get 60 percent of their eating in before 3 p.m. I don't want people only eating salads, it's about enjoying food but having a limit. Combining foods you like with those that are healthy is key. For example, those who constantly hit McDonald’s for those French fries can try making some sweet potato chips. I know for me, it helps if I start off my day eating healthy; it tends to carry on throughout the day.
Q: How do you know if you're mentally ready to workout with a fitness instructor?
No-one should have to persuade you to do it. It's for people who say things like, "that's a challenge but I’m ready for it” or “bring it on”. The great thing is that everyone has different levels of fitness, not all of us are Olympic standard athletes. The important thing is to take it slow but to go in with a positive attitude and a lot of determination.
(Potentially get rid of this paragraph if limited on space)
Q: Any regrets?
Errrrr…… (mumbles)…
Q: Really? Not even money?
The money is obviously less, but I’ve always believed that happiness is more important than money. My first client helped me a lot, seeing the dedication he had to becoming fit made me want to commit to my decision to help him and everyone like him. I make a difference for my clients that makes the job worth while. I get to know them on personal level as well as professional one. Hand on heart, I love it!
“Happiness is more important than money”