Will Ferrell Praises Molly Shannon for 'Saving “SNL”' During the 1996 Season, While Speaking at Her Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony
Will Ferrell Praises Molly Shannon for 'Saving “SNL”' During the 1996 Season, While Speaking at Her Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony
Angela AndaloroTue, June 23, 2026 at 8:38 PM UTC
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Will Ferrell as an emcee behind Molly Shannon as Mary Katherine Gallagher (left), the two together at Shannon's Walk of Fame ceremonyCredit: Al Levine/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty; Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty -
Will Ferrell and Molly Shannon were castmates together on Saturday Night Live for six seasons
Ferrell, 58, honored Shannon, 61, as one of the speakers at her Hollywood Walk of Fame Star Ceremony
The comedian praised Shannon for the shift she created with the introduction of one of her most iconic characters, Mary Katherine Gallagher
Will Ferrell was proud to share his immense appreciation for Molly Shannon.
The Saturday Night Live alum, 61, was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday, June 22. Her longtime costar, 58, was among those there to share a few words about Shannon's successful career journey.
Ferrell began his speech by "painting a picture" for the audience.
"The date is October 28, 1995. All right. It is the fourth episode of the 1995-96 season of SNL. We are a brand new cast. It's only our fourth show. No one knows us, or if we're any good, or if anyone even likes the show anymore," he said.
"It's coming out of a low ebb. 'Saturday Night Dead' were some of the headlines. We kind of don't know. We're just out there throwing things up to see what's going to happen. But that night, the host is Gabriel Byrne. And that's the first time we get to see Mary Katherine Gallagher."
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Ferrell recalls how he appeared at the beginning of the sketch, singing The Police's "Message in a Bottle" before changing for another scene.
"As I was changing, I'm hearing Molly perform the character and I'm hearing, and I'm feeling the stands shake with laughter. To the point where I thought, 'Oh my God, I haven't heard laughter like this so far, in the three shows we've done.' And it hit me. It was such an emotional moment because I remember, thinking, 'Oh. We're going to be okay.' That Molly has saved us, like, at least we have one funny character that will drive."
The Old School actor credited the actress for "a momentum change" that came with a character that was "a trademark of what you do."
"The character was funny, was real. It was dark in moments. It was an outsider who dreamed, which I think is what you bring to so much of your work. It was in that moment, I'll never forget, but it literally was a catalyst for us to continue on. And it was a catalyst for you, and you've gone on to have and continue to have the most amazing career and everything you do."
He proclaimed, "I was thankful to be a little part of that legendary character that really, I think, Molly Shannon saved Saturday Night Live. I'll say it right there."
Ferrell concluded his speech with recognition for Shannon's family and their pride in her achievement. He concluded, "You really are a superstar. Congratulations. I love you!"
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
