In the glitzy world of Hollywood, where acceptance speeches are often filled with gratitude to family, friends, and supporters, rising star Ayo Edebiri has been taking an unconventional route by repeatedly thanking Ireland. But here’s the twist – she’s not Irish. So, why the shout-outs to Derry, Cork, Killarney, and Dublin?
The mystery begins to unravel in a charming interaction on the red carpet before Ayo Edebiri snagged an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series on January 15. During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, she playfully looked into the camera and shouted, “Shout out to my people! Shout out to Derry, and shout out to Cork! Shout out to Killarney, shout out to Dublin!”
This wasn’t an isolated incident. At the Critics Choice Awards on January 14, Edebiri extended her thanks to an even wider audience, saying, “To everybody in Boston, Barbados, Nigeria, Ireland in many ways, thank you so much.”
The origin of this unexpected Irish connection dates back to a humorous interview with Letterboxd at South by Southwest in March 2023. During the interview, Edebiri claimed to have played “Jenny the donkey” in The Banshees of Inisherin, a film set in Ireland that was nominated for Best Picture at the 2023 Oscars. The catch? Edebiri was not part of the film’s cast.
In a lighthearted moment, she slipped into a playful Irish accent, sharing, “I lived in Ireland for about four months, and I got really in character. I was on all fours for four months, and it was really painful, but beautiful, as well.”
While Edebiri’s role in The Banshees of Inisherin was purely fictional, her comedic relationship with Letterboxd, a social network for film lovers, has been very real. Known for its meme references and witty banter, Letterboxd became the stage for Edebiri’s humor. She has engaged with the platform for years, infusing her reviews with comedic flair.
In a review of The Departed, Edebiri showcased her comedic chops, claiming to be the dialect coach but only for the word “microprocessors.” Her unique sense of humor spilled over into other reviews, creating a ripple effect of laughter within the community.
Ayo Edebiri’s playful antics extended beyond the realm of film reviews. In a January 2023 appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, she revealed a prank she played by falsely claiming to be the showrunner for Chuck Lorre’s The Kominsky Method. The amusing deception added another layer to her already intriguing persona.
While her Irish shout-outs and quirky antics may leave some scratching their heads, it’s evident that Ayo Edebiri’s unique brand of humor resonates with those who appreciate a good laugh in unexpected places. As her award wins and press coverage continue to unfold, it’s clear that this rising star has found a way to turn an inside joke into a Hollywood moment.
In the end, whether thanking Ireland or weaving fictional tales of donkey roles, Ayo Edebiri keeps the entertainment industry on its toes, proving that laughter knows no boundaries – not even those set by national borders.
