Star of hit movies Step Brothers and Chicago John C Reilly has been selected as the International Guest of Honour for the 2022 Dublin St Patrick's Day Parade.
John is among the 80 million Irish diaspora around the world who has repeatedly expressed his love for the country and his Irish heritage.
The actor grew up in an Irish-Lithuanian household in Southwest Chicago as the fifth of six children in a predominantly Irish neighbourhood. His paternal great grandfather along with various other family members emigrated in the early 1900s from Ireland.
Read more: St Patrick's Day 2022: Dublin parade times, transport, events and everything to know
"We're going to have great craic there on the streets of Dublin," the star said in a video announcement.
"I couldn't be more excited."
Speaking of his role as International Guest of Honour, John added: "It's been a long time since we have all been able to celebrate life together and I can’t think of a better place to do it than Ireland.
"I'm honoured to be part of the celebration of the rich history of Ireland with all of the good people in Dublin. A great day for hope and a great day for the Irish and the Irish at heart."
John will appear in the parade on March 17 alongside Grand Marshals, Paralympic gold medal swimmer Ellen Keane and Olympic gold medal boxer Kellie Harrington.
The parade starts at 12pm and runs from Parnell Square to the Cuffe Street-Kevin Street junction for approximately two hours.
Audiences have been promised "the biggest, most spectacular parade ever produced on the streets of Dublin" which will be broadcast live on RTE One.
Interim Director at St Patrick’s Festival Anna McGowan said: "John has proudly and consistently worn his Irish roots with pride on the world stage. His family story is that of millions of our diaspora across the world and we look forward to welcoming him home."
Read more: All of the local St Patrick's Day parades and events happening in Dublin
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