Why show left Dino so Browned off
FORMER Mrs Brown’s Boys star Gary Hollywood has opened up about his dramatic row with the show’s boss, Brendan O’Carroll.
Hollywood, 41, who played Dino Doyle in the hit BBC sitcom, left the show last October amid a spat over pay.
The Scottish actor initially pursued legal action against Dubliner O’Carroll, 65, production firm Hungry Bear Media Limited and the BBC. He was to argue claims of unfair dismissal and discrimination, but withdrew the action early on in the process.
Hollywood also dealt with serious family issues last year, including the premature birth of son Oliver, and the sudden death of his brother Gerard.
‘It’s absolutely been the worst year of my life. I’ve felt depressed – it was one thing after another,’ he said. He also told OK! Magazine: ‘As a man, you’re told to “man up”, which makes things worse.
‘Things are changing though. It’s very heartening to see Martin and Roman Kemp talking about their struggles.’
TV star Roman, 28, released a documentary earlier this year about his struggles with depression. His father, actor Martin, 59, has also spoken of his mental health difficulties.
Hailing his wife Cherylanne as his ‘rock’, Hollywood added: ‘I don’t know if I could’ve got through it without her, or my amazing family and friends.
‘I’m also a patron for a mental health charity in Scotland called Back Onside and they offer counselling, which has helped.’
He has also started his own gin business, called Hollywood Ginge, but said that doesn’t mean he won’t return to acting.
‘I plan to do both. I’m at a place in my life where it doesn’t have to be one thing over another,’ he said.
‘Over the years I’ve been offered some incredible projects which I would’ve loved to have done, but was made to turn down.
‘Luckily, many have returned to the table, so I’m looking to try new experiences and make new adventures for myself.’
He added that ‘acting has always been my first love and a few great roles have come my way, so hopefully we can make those work’.
Regarding Mrs Brown’s Boys, he confirmed there had been a ‘problem with pay and things came to a head’. He added: ‘Dealing with the fallout has been extremely exhausting and has really taken its toll on me emotionally. I did hope we’d be able to reconcile or communicate respectfully, but it is what it is.’ news@dailymail.ie
‘Extremely exhausting’