Daniel O’Donnell Speaks Out About Mario Rosenstock’s Imitations — “Sometimes I’m Not Too Sure It’s Respectful”
For nearly four decades, Daniel O’Donnell has been one of Ireland’s most beloved entertainers — a soft-spoken, humble, and deeply respected figure in Irish music. But with fame comes imitation, and Daniel recently opened up about how he truly feels about the comedic impressions of him performed by Mario Rosenstock, the well-known Irish satirist behind Gift Grub.
Speaking candidly on RTÉ Radio 1’s Ryan Tubridy Show, Daniel admitted that while he understands impersonations are “part of the territory” for well-known personalities, he doesn’t always feel comfortable with how he’s portrayed.
“Sometimes I’m not too sure,” he said carefully, when asked if he finds Mario’s portrayal respectful. “I think he over-exaggerates.”
It was a rare moment of frankness from the Donegal-born singer, who is widely admired for his gentle nature and gracious attitude toward the public. Daniel emphasized that he doesn’t mind being imitated — he simply hopes it’s done with kindness.
“I think if it is respectful, it is fine,” he explained. “But sometimes, I’m not too sure.”
Mario Rosenstock is known for caricaturing many public figures, but Daniel’s imitation has long been one of his most recognizable sketches. The exaggerated accent, the overly sweet demeanor, and the comedic exaggeration of Daniel’s soft-spoken image have been staples of Irish satire for years. But Daniel noted that, in reality, he is far more complex than the simplified version often seen in comedy skits.
Still, he acknowledged Rosenstock’s talent.
“Mario is getting better at me — he’s not there yet though,” Daniel joked lightly. “I’m not easy to do.”
He added that Rosenstock performs better impressions of other celebrities, suggesting that certain features of Daniel’s personality are simply harder to mimic authentically.
What struck listeners during the interview was Daniel’s mixture of honesty and humility. Even after a music career spanning nearly 35 years, during which he has sold more than 15 million albums worldwide, Daniel still finds it surreal that he is famous enough to be impersonated at all.
“I never thought that would happen to me,” he admitted. “I don’t really understand what it is that I did that was that different. But I love it. I love singing and I love people too.”
His surprise at his own fame — and the gentle sincerity with which he expresses it — is one of the qualities fans cherish most about him. They admire not just his music, but the way he carries himself: with gratitude, humility, and a steady groundedness in a world where celebrity often leads to ego.
Daniel also reflected on the curious experience of seeing himself referenced in comedy or parody outside of music.
“I’m amazed that sometimes in shows they might have a wee skit… wee parody things like Father Ted did, and I think, ‘How did that happen?’”
The interview sparked considerable discussion online, with fans showing both support and understanding. Many noted that Daniel’s reaction was measured and fair — he didn’t condemn Rosenstock, but simply expressed the hope that public portrayals remain respectful.
Others echoed Daniel’s sentiment, saying that while satire has its place, sometimes it crosses into unnecessary exaggeration, especially when targeting someone known for kindness rather than controversy.
What remains clear is that Daniel O’Donnell continues to navigate fame with the same grace he always has. Whether performing on major stages, appearing on television, or responding to impersonations of himself, he maintains a calm, thoughtful perspective grounded in appreciation for his fans and his career.
As he said himself:
“I love singing. I love people. That’s really it.”
And perhaps that sincerity — more than anything — is why he remains such a beloved figure, and why people imitate him in the first place.