“No one knows us [the new cast of Saturday Night Live at the time], or if we’re any good, or if anyone even likes the show anymore. ‘Saturday Night Dead’ were some of the headlines, and we’re just out there throwing things up to see what’s going to happen. But that night is the first time we get to see Mary Katherine Gallagher. At dress rehearsal, I’m in the beginning of the sketch, and I had to run to do a quick change, and as I was changing, I’m hearing Molly perform the character and I’m feeling the stands shake with laughter. To the point that I thought, ‘Oh my god, I haven’t heard laughter like this so far in the three shows we’ve done.’ And it was such an emotional moment, because I remember thinking, ‘We’re going to be okay. Molly has saved us — at least we have one funny character.’ I was thankful to be a little part of that legendary character. What was so great about Mary Katherine is that it was such a trademark of what you do. The character was funny, real, dark in moments, an outsider who dreamed, which is what you bring to so much of your work. It was a moment I’ll never forget. It literally was a catalyst for us to continue on, and it was a catalyst for you.”
–Will Ferrell during Molly Shannon‘s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony on Monday
Watch Will’s full speech as well as Connie Britton‘s honoring of Molly (below):
Watch some sketches with Molly’s beloved character:
The character became so popular it eventually got its own film in 1999, Superstar.
Did you love watching Mary Katherine Gallagher in the ’90s? Let us know your thoughts in the comments (below)!
[Image via SNL/YouTube/Paramount Pictures.]
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