HEARTWARMING MOMENT: John C. Reilly Brings His Love for Irish Music and Country Soul to The Late Late Show Country Special
Hollywood met Ireland’s heartland in the most unexpected way when John C. Reilly took the stage at The Late Late Show Country Music Special, leaving audiences both surprised and delighted. Known around the world for his acclaimed film roles in Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, Step Brothers, and Chicago, Reilly traded Hollywood lights for the soft glow of Nashville-inspired stage lamps — and what unfolded was pure musical magic.
As part of the 10th anniversary of The Late Late Show Country Music Special, host Patrick Kielty welcomed an impressive lineup of Irish country stars, but it was John C. Reilly’s heartfelt appearance that stole the show. With his unmistakable charm and deep respect for the genre, Reilly reminded everyone that music — especially Irish and country — has a way of connecting souls across oceans.
“It’s funny,” Reilly told Kielty with a warm laugh, “when I first came to Ireland years ago, I felt something familiar in the music. It reminded me of the country songs I grew up with back home — stories about life, heartbreak, and faith. Irish music and country music — they come from the same heart.”
The audience responded with enthusiastic applause as Reilly, dressed simply in jeans, boots, and a dark vest, picked up his guitar and joined the house band for an unexpected but deeply moving performance. His rendition of the folk-inspired “Wild Mountain Thyme” had the crowd swaying, while his version of the classic “I’ll Fly Away” turned the RTE Studios into a joyful singalong.
It wasn’t Reilly’s first time embracing Irish culture. In recent years, the Oscar-nominated actor has spent extensive time in Ireland, performing with traditional musicians and exploring the country’s deep musical roots. His collaborations with Irish artists and his participation in local music festivals have made him a beloved figure beyond Hollywood fame.
Patrick Kielty praised him during the show, saying, “It’s rare to see someone from Hollywood fit in so naturally with Irish country musicians, but John doesn’t just play — he feels the music.”
Reilly spoke openly about how country and Irish music share the same emotional core. “They’re both about real life — joy, sorrow, and the beauty of ordinary people’s stories,” he said. “That’s why I love it here. Irish country doesn’t chase fame — it chases feeling.”
The performance sparked a wave of admiration online. Viewers flooded social media with praise, calling it one of the most heartwarming moments of the night. One fan wrote, “John C. Reilly’s passion for Irish music is so genuine — he belongs here.” Another commented, “You could see how much he respected the tradition. What a beautiful performance.”
By the end of the segment, Reilly joined other country stars — including Daniel O’Donnell, Cliona Hagan, and Mike Denver — for a rousing group finale of “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” The mix of Irish harmonies and American soul brought the crowd to its feet.
For John C. Reilly, it wasn’t a Hollywood moment — it was a homecoming. A reminder that music, when born from the heart, belongs to everyone.
And on that night, Ireland and country music — once again — sang in perfect harmony.