US actress and comedian Melissa McCarthy has praised her Irish roots for her approach to life. The hilarious 46-year-old has starred in hit films such as Ghostbusters, Bridesmaids and Identity Thief.
In an interview with Irish Central the actress stated that she has strong Irish roots, and that her heritage is still part of her daily life.
“My grandmother and grandfather both came over from Ireland. They had a tough go of it. But family was important to them and they pulled themselves up by their bootstraps and kept it intact and took each day at a time. I strongly relate to that.
“Being Irish is part of the way I approach the world. Well, we’ve had a rough enough time you know? We’ve had a rough go of it, but I think there’s a sturdiness that comes from that too, and I think that there’s a really realistic way of looking at the world that comes from it.”
The Gilmore Girls star also opened up to Irish America Magazine about certain Irish traits that she admires, such as a strong work ethic; a trait that Melissa feels she too possesses.
“There’s a scrappiness to the Irish that I can very much relate to. It’s a kind of working-class, not afraid to get your hands dirty, take care of a situation kind of thing.
“Being Irish means being self-sufficient and doing whatever is needed. My dad’s friends in Chicago were all Irish and we grew up thinking of ourselves as Irish.
“His dad was a Carty, but the name got changed to McCarthy when he emigrated. I’m truly a Carty,” she said.
We’re happy to call Melissa one of our own!