American actress Molly Shannon (61) was honored with a star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. Will Ferrell (58) delivered a moving speech for his longtime colleague and good friend.
In his address on Monday, Ferrell particularly highlighted Shannon's legendary "Saturday Night Live" character, the Catholic schoolgirl Mary Katherine Gallagher, whom she first portrayed in October 1995. Ferrell recalled the atmosphere at the time, after "SNL" had comprehensively reshuffled its cast. "Nobody knew us, nobody knew if we were any good or if anyone even liked the show anymore", he reflected. "It was coming out of a low point, 'Saturday Night Dead' were some of the headlines, and we were just seeing what would happen."
"Molly saved us"
Particularly formative for him was his colleague's first appearance. During the dress rehearsal, he had been standing on stage at the beginning of the sketch and then had to rush off for a costume change. "While I was changing, I heard Molly playing the role and felt the audience shaking with laughter." That's when it became clear to him: "We're going to make it. Molly saved us - at least we have one funny character."
Will Ferrell, who appeared in an elegant gray pinstripe suit, honored his colleague with an appropriate reference to their joint film "Superstar" from 1999: "You really are a superstar." Also present at the ceremony was "Friday Night Lights" star Connie Britton (59). She delivered a touching speech about Shannon, particularly highlighting her qualities as a mother and her influence on Britton's own son.
