Will Ferrell takes St. Patrick's snake activism seriously, sings 'Danny Boy'

Will Ferrell warns New Yorkers about snakes

(Image credit: Late Show)

published 18 March 2015

Like many Americans with (and without) Irish ancestry, Will Ferrell celebrates St. Patrick's Day. "Well, I don't know if I'm celebrating," Ferrell told David Letterman on Tuesday night's Late Show, in explaining why he was dressed like a leprechaun. "St. Patrick's Day is a very serious holiday to me." While other people are drinking lots of green beer, Ferrell said, he is thinking about how the real St. Patrick chased all the snakes out of Ireland in the 5th century.

"So, every St. Patrick's Day, I put on my outfit and I walk the streets of New York educating people on the dangers of snakes," Ferrell said. And you have to watch him, because that's how Ferrell's comedy works. If you want to know why he does this, you can also skip ahead to his special snake-themed rendition of "Danny Boy." It brings a tear to Letterman's eye, probably from laughter. —Peter Weber

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.