Domhnall Gleeson's Playful Roast Honors Rachel McAdams at Walk of Fame Ceremony
Gleeson Playfully Roasts McAdams at Walk of Fame Star Ceremony

Domhnall Gleeson's Tongue-in-Cheek Tribute Celebrates Rachel McAdams' Hollywood Star

In a ceremony filled with warmth and wit, actor Domhnall Gleeson playfully roasted his former co-star Rachel McAdams as she received one of Hollywood's highest honors this week. Gleeson was present on Tuesday to witness McAdams being awarded a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, but his speech took a delightfully sarcastic turn, humorously listing the many reasons he felt she was unworthy of the accolade.

A Speech Packed with Ironic Praise

"Life, and more importantly Hollywood, has taught me that you are not supposed to have it all," Gleeson began, setting the tone for his cheeky remarks. "It is not fair to be everyone's favorite person on-set and the best actor in the room. It is selfish of you to be a devoted mother of two, putting family above all else, and a huge movie star continually knocking it out of the park commercially and artistically."

He continued with a laugh, adding, "It's not OK to be a Hollywood star and a character actor, to be gifted at comedy and drama, to be unrestricted by genre or expectation and to be the loveliest person I've ever met in my life ― that's not how we do things. So, yeah, I don't think you deserve it."

A Heartfelt Embrace Follows the Humor

Fortunately, McAdams clearly understood the jest behind Gleeson's words. Moments after his speech, the two shared a heartfelt embrace, showcasing the genuine camaraderie and respect between them. This touching moment underscored that Gleeson's roast was, in fact, a clever and affectionate tribute to McAdams' exceptional career and personal qualities.

Celebrating a Lasting Professional Bond

Gleeson, best known for his role as Bill Weasley in the "Harry Potter" film series, first worked with McAdams in the 2013 romantic dramedy "About Time." Their on-screen chemistry has evidently translated into a lasting friendship off-screen. Gleeson's upcoming project includes the comedy "The Incomer," which premieres this week at the Sundance Film Festival.

Other Notable Figures in Attendance

McAdams was also honored at the ceremony by actor Dylan O'Brien and director Sam Raimi, both of whom she collaborated with on her new thriller, "Send Help." In a rare public appearance, McAdams' longtime partner, filmmaker Jamie Linden, was also present to support her. The couple shares two children together.

McAdams' Upcoming Film Project

Rachel McAdams is set to return to the big screen later this month in "Send Help," directed by Sam Raimi. In the film, she portrays Linda Liddle, a corporate employee who must fight for survival alongside her sexist boss, Bradley Preston, played by Dylan O'Brien, after their plane crashes on a deserted island. This role promises to showcase McAdams' versatility in a thrilling new context.

The ceremony not only celebrated McAdams' star on the Walk of Fame but also highlighted the deep connections and mutual admiration within the entertainment industry, with Gleeson's humorous speech serving as a standout moment of genuine tribute.