Mrs Brown’s Boys star Gary Hollywood lands children’s charity role

Mrs Brown’s Boys star Gary Hollywood says realising his own childhood dreams is the reason why he has spent twenty years supporting a supporting a special charity.

Gary, 40, has just become a patron of the Scottish-based charity, the Les Hoey DreamMaker Foundation, which makes dreams come true for children with challenging disabilities and illnesses.

And he says the heartbreak and tears those families face make him even more determined to bring a smile to a child’s face.

The BAFTA award winning actor, who plays Dino Doyle, the hairdresser husband of Rory Brown in the worldwide hit television series, said: “Bringing a smile to a child’s face is the most precious thing anyone can do.

“And when you can bring a smile to the face of a child who is struggling with disabilities or a life changing illness, it is the best feeling in the world.”

Gary, who was born and bought up in Glasgow’s Pollok housing scheme, says when times were tough for him growing up, he ‘lost’ himself in his dreams of becoming an actor.

He said: “Times were tough growing up, and I vividly remember my mum struggling to get buses so she could take me to acting auditions.

“Mum was a cleaner and my dad was a steel fixer, and they did everything they could to ensure I had the chance to follow my dreams of becoming an actor.

“I always remember saying to mum she wouldn’t have to worry about getting buses when I was a successful actor because I’d buy a big car and drive her everywhere in style.

“She used to laugh, but she always encouraged me to believe my dreams would come true.”

After getting a ‘break’ on detective series Taggart at age 12, Gary’s dreams came true after all.

He said: “I’m doing the job I love and getting the chance to travel the world in our wonderful show, and I’ve never forgotten it started with a childhood dream.

“That’s why the Les Hoey DreamMaker Foundation is so important to me. It makes dreams come true for hundreds of deserving children and families every year, and that is magical.”

The charity’s biggest fundraising event is on October 5, at Glasgow’s Crowne Plaza Hotel where a star studded ball will help raise thousands needed to take children on a holiday of a lifetime, or simply get a chance to meet their pop idol.

Gary said: “No matter what their dreams are, this charity makes them come true and they work so very hard to make sure every penny counts.”