Someone get Ayo Edebiri a Claddagh ring and a pint of Guinness, because this Emmy-award-winning actress has the entire internet thinking she is Irish — I am so here for it. The meme is taking over Tiktok and X/Twitter as Ireland claims Edebiri as one of their own and celebrates her incredible accomplishments this awards season. But, wait — you’re probably so confused as to why the internet jokes that (American actor) Ayo Edebiri is Irish at all, and where the meme even came from.
For context, Edebriri grew up in Boston, Massachusetts — not Ireland. In March 2022, Edebiri gave an interview with Letterboxd about her role and preparation for The Banshees of Inisherin, except she literally was not in that movie. During the interview, Edebiri joked around about being in the movie and even slipped into an Irish accent with ease as she discussed the four months she spent in Ireland preparing for her role as Jenny the donkey. Again, this was not a real role… but I really, really wish it was.
Even though just staying in Ireland doesn’t actually make you Irish, it seems Ireland itself doesn’t seem to care. After her nomination for the 2024 BAFTA Rising Star Award, @filmindublin took to X/Twitter to celebrate Edebiri with a tweet she later reposted on her Instagram story. The same account went on to edit Edebiri into stills from famous Irish movies and as, a girl who is actually Irish, I am crying.
Naturally, Edebiri is feeding into the ongoing joke. After she won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in The Bear at the Emmys on Jan. 15, she went on to shout major Irish cities.
“Shout-out to my people! Shout-out to Derry! Shout-out to Cork! Shout-out to Killarney! Shout-out to Dublin,” Edebiri told Entertainment Tonight during the Emmys.
So now I’m wondering if the actual country of Ireland will recognize just how important Edebiri is to Irish culture. Put her on the flag.