DANIEL O’DONNELL MAKES SPOOKY ACTING DEBUT IN HALLOWEEN SHORT “NIGHT OF THE DANIELS”
Daniel O’Donnell, Ireland’s beloved country music star and national treasure, has surprised fans by stepping into the world of acting with his Halloween-themed short film, “Night of the Daniels.” Known for his smooth vocals and charming stage presence, the Donegal crooner, 60, has now added a new string to his bow, showing a fearless and playful side that fans couldn’t get enough of.
The 10-minute short sees Daniel defending the town of Dungloe from a bizarre invasion of wax figure clones of himself, armed with nothing more than a fire poker and plenty of determination. The combination of horror, comedy, and Daniel’s endearing personality quickly made the video an online sensation when it premiered on Friday.
Fans were quick to react, with one posting: “The new Daniel O’Donnell music video has everything. Swords. Beheadings. A flamethrower. A giant naked Daniel made of wax. Everything!” Others compared the short to Michael Jackson’s Thriller, calling it the best Halloween moment to hit Ireland in years. “Daniel O’Donnell having his own ‘Thriller’ type of music video is the best thing that’s ever happened to the island of Ireland,” wrote one thrilled fan.
Social media buzzed with admiration for Daniel’s antics, with fans hailing him a “legend” and a “national treasure.” One viewer admitted: “I am watching for the third time. I love this. Daniel, you are a nut. Thanks for causing us to laugh.” Another encouraged him to consider a future in film, joking, “Daniel for the next James Bond 007! Don’t you think?”
Despite the praise, Daniel laughed off the Bond suggestion, telling the Irish Daily Mirror: “Ah they’d be making a younger Bond than me now. I’ve the black suit, that’s about as far as I can go.”
Though new to acting apart from television commercials, Daniel admitted he found the process surprisingly straightforward. He credited the creative team behind the video, Shaun Duggan and Ciaran McCann of Re-Act Productions, for guiding him through the stunts and sequences. “It is all them,” Daniel said. “They just told me you have to be here and there, break down the door, come in and get the poker, hop over the sofa, and pretend you are doing all that business — so I just did what they told me.”
Daniel’s wife, Majella O’Donnell, also appeared in the short, enjoying the chance to collaborate with the talented local production team once again. Daniel praised everyone involved, from the set designers to the artists, noting that much of the project came from a small, local crew who wanted to bring a unique idea to life.
The release of “Night of the Daniels” coincides with an exciting period for Daniel, who is set to release a new album, ‘I Wish You Well,’ next month. He is also touring internationally, with scheduled performances in Canada and the USA this October and November. Fans in Ireland are also eagerly awaiting his Dublin show on 27th August 2023 at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, with tickets currently on sale.
With this foray into acting, Daniel O’Donnell has not only showcased his versatility as an entertainer but also reminded fans why he remains a cherished figure in Irish music and popular culture. From singing heartfelt ballads to taking on hilarious horror hijinks, Daniel continues to charm, entertain, and surprise audiences worldwide.