Straight Up: The Autobiography

by Danny Dyer

In a notoriously difficult industry, Danny Dyer has carved out a niche that has seen him become one of the most recognizable, distinctive, and popular actors of his generation. But it hasn't all been a walk in the park. Growing up in Canning Town, East London, through the eighties, was no picnic. He had trouble at home and more at school. It wasn't until he started acting, and discovered a talent for it, that he realized there was a way out and up. He found early success in Prime Suspect and stealing the show in the cult film Human Traffic . But then, inevitably, the ups were followed by the downs and he found himself shut outside of an industry that didn't understand him; that heard his cockney accent before bothering with his talent. But the more he was rejected, the harder his will became, and the greater the drive to overcome. This is a fascinating, illuminating story of a cockney geezer made good. Funny, honest, intimate, and choc-a-bloc full of Danny's antics and anecdotes, this memoir tears it up proper nice and delivers on every page.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

330 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2010

Reviews

[Wendy Lightfoot · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Danny Dyer started in EastEnders I thought his character was going to be a hard man and spoil EastEnders. I have watched his character and thought he was a good actor so started to watch some of his movies. They have all been different too. Reading his autobiography has made me realise he is just a normal person with a normal background and a very good actor. The book has is very interesting looking into his private and public life. I would recommend this to any Danny Dyer fan.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

[Freya · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favourite biography yet. Really gritty and shines a light on how unglamorous the profession of acting can be.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I tell you that I added this to my Popsugar Book Challenge 2017 under the challenge of, 'A book that’s been on your TBR list for way too long', you will understand that I didn't really want to read it. To be honest I thought it would be quite crass (you will also come to the conclusion that I am a book addict who buys books just for fun and doesn't read them until months, sometimes years, after. A habit I am trying to get out of by purposely not buying any more books until I've read all those on my TBR shelf (I have failed several times!)). So after umming and ahhing whether to plunge in or not, I eventually did. And surprisingly, I enjoyed it!

Nothing written by Danny Dyer is ever going to be Shakespearean but it was a fascinating read. At times it was repetitive but it wasn't too often and I forgave him for that. A big bug bear for me, however (and always is), was the grammatical errors throughout the book, particularly annoying were the missing words. Who actually proofreads these books? Honestly, they need to think of a career change.

Aside from that, and a little too much swearing for my liking, it was a good book and well worth a read.

[Daniel Pitcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was bought this book by someone as they know I like several of Dyer's films. It is not something I would have bought myself, but I am glad I've had the chance to read it. I liked the man as an actor beforehand and admire him as a person now too. Well, a little, as much as you can from just reading someone's autobiography.

He comes across as well, ahem, pretty straight up. He doesn't pull many punches and certainly says what he thinks- especially when it comes to Vinnie Jones! There were a few things in here that I didn't realise too; for example, his starring in an oscar winning film (seriously! read it and find out)and being head hunted by Pinter to feature in one of his plays on Broadway.

A quick, at times funny read which was exactly what I was after having just slogged through a nineteenth century bookend.

[Louise Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

of course everyone supposed to know Danny dyer but honestly apart from being in Eastenders really did not know mcuh abt him it i enjoyed seeing how he got into acting and funny how he just got wed this weekend to his childhood sweet heart was it jo just used it as alight read . i was most interested on his views and progs on violence with most books like this it is used mainly to pass the night away if cant sleep as show cant evan remember the name of girl with oh well

[Ryan Heeger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only picked this up to read about his experience of filming Human Traffic here in Cardiff, but ended up enjoying the whole thing. Haters of Dyer won't be swayed, as the book contains much of the swagger and lingo he is known for. People he hasn't got along with (Vinnie Jones) are mocked, while people he despises (Mark Kermode) are berated and warned to look out if ever they meet. That aside, there are brutally honest and fascinating anecdotes about the film and theatre industry, and his relationship with drugs and debauchery are revealed with regret and honesty. Well worth a butcher's, you farkin' melts.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was interested in this book as I have seen Danny Dyer in quite a few tv programmes and I felt he always came across as a hard nut and someone who is up himself but I was surprised and intrigued when I read his book.
It is a brilliant autobiography in which he doesn't hold back or sugar coat things for the reader. It was insightful about all aspects of his life, the good and the bad.
After reading this, I see him for who he is - a man who is earning a wage to put a roof over his family's head and food in their mouths. His book is straight forward and as the title says 'Straight Up', there's no fluff and glitter in this book! Well Done Danny Dyer!!

[Louise Rogers-Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

love Danny, its a good read.

I have never read a autobiography before and I really enjoyed it. I think that had alot to do with been a big Danny fan. I did find myself busting out laughing and people where just looking at me like I was mad lol.
If your a Danny fan and don't mind swearing then u should be ok.

[Toni Vincett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was quite surprised at myself while reading this book. I have really enjoyed this book and learning bit more about danny dyer from himself. He is an actor that i have never loved or hated but i really enjoy him in eastenders. He doesn't try to be something his not in my eyes. I do have some love for the guy now after reading his 1st book. I am looking forward to reading his new book now.

[Kerrie Hobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danny Dyer is My Favourite actor so I decided to read the book, I loved every bit of it & got through it in 1 day! I love reading about his life and how he became what he is today. I would highly recommend this book to any Danny dyer fan!!

[Timothy Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Huge Danny Dyer fan. Have been for years. I don't watch Eastenders (I'm a Hollyoaks fan myself) but I read anything about his character on the show that I see. The book was very well written & he tells it like it is. He does not hold back at all.

[Layla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good Book about Danny's Life when he was younger and how he was out of work for a time how much he cares for his family great read if you are a fan. Loved this book.