Hollywood star surprises drinkers with impromptu singalong at London Irish bar

Chris O’Dowd joined in with a lively Irish singalong during a night out at a London pub, leaving fellow drinkers delighted by his surprise performance.

The Bridesmaids star, 46, was filmed singing to The Rattlin’ Bog while surrounded by friends, including his wife, writer and presenter Dawn O’Porter.

In footage shared by the Irish London Centre on Instagram last week, O’Dowd can be seen holding a pint as he joins in with the well-known Irish folk song.

The footage was shared by the Irish London Centre on Instagram

Londonirishcentre/Instagram

The actor appeared to know all the words as he sang along with the group, prompting plenty of excitement from fans watching the footage online.

The Irish London Centre joked in its caption: “I never see you at the club.” “I never see you at the London Irish Centre, screaming The Rattlin’ Bog with Primetime Emmy Award winner Chris O’Dowd?”

One person commented: “He’s a legend.”

Another wrote: “How does it feel to be living our dream?”

A third joked: “You can take the man out of Ireland…”

Who is Chris O’Dowd?

O’Dowd was born in Boyle, County Roscommon, and later moved to England to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

He first rose to prominence playing Roy Trenneman in the Channel 4 sitcom The IT Crowd, which ran from 2006 to 2010.

O’Dowd was born in Boyle, County Roscommon

AFP/Getty

His career went on to span both British and American film and television, with roles in Bridesmaids, This Is 40, St Vincent and Molly’s Game.

He also appeared in the HBO series Girls as Thomas-John, the husband of Jemima Kirke’s character Jessa.

Away from acting, O’Dowd has continued to maintain close ties to Ireland, while he and O’Porter have made London their home.

O’Dowd starred in the comedy Bridesmaids in 2011

Getty

The couple married in 2012 and have two sons, Art and Valentine.

The family previously lived in Los Angeles before moving back to the UK in 2024 and have since split their time between London and Margate.

O’Porter previously opened up about their marriage in an interview with The Independent, describing learning not to expect a relationship to be perfect all the time as an important part of their life together.