Viewers stunned as man interviewed about Dublin hotel fire turns out to be Hollywood legend
Members of the public were shocked when they realised that a man that was interviewed in Dublin about a hotel fire was a movie star.
On Wednesday (12 June) morning, emergency services rushed to the famous Shelbourne Hotel in Ireland's capital after a fire broke out.
Guests and staff evacuated the premises, as firefighters combatted the blaze coming from the 265-room five-star hotel.
News reporters were quickly on the scene, with one news outlet going to speak to some of the guests affected by the shocking incident.
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They interviewed an elderly man, who by chance happened to be a Hollywood icon.
The celebrity was visiting the city on holiday when he was woken up by the alarm, quickly making a move to ensure his safety.
Best known for his work in film, TV and comedy, the actor is best known for playing 'Fonzie' on American sitcom Happy Days from 1974-1984, while also featuring in movies such as The Waterboy and Click alongside Adam Sandler.
The actor was shocked awake by the alarm, but seemed in high spirits when the reporter asked him about his experience of events.
It was none other than Henry Winkler, known for his many comedic roles in the industry over the past four decades.
Speaking to RTE News, the Holes star claimed that he 'thought it was the clock radio' at first.
The 78-year-old continued: "I thought somebody had set the alarm before we got there, like another guest. Finally, I went into another room and it was still buzzing, so I called downstairs.
"The woman said in a very calm voice, 'Yes, we're all evacuating. You must evacuate right now'. And I left."
Winkler only arrived at the five-star hotel late on Tuesday night following a long delay to his flight, yet the comedian seemed chirpy and was seen smiling at other guests, staying positive amidst all the panic and despite his lack of sleep.
He continued: "Firemen are some of my favourite human beings, firemen and firewomen. They run in when other people are running out. I think their hands deserve to be shook.
"It was an amazing adventure right here in Dublin. I cannot wait to see the rest of Dublin."
He loved the firemen so much in fact, that he posted a photo with a few of them to post on X, captioning it: "Thank you Dublin's fire department … our hotel was evacuated on our first morning!!!"
Yesterday (12 June), following the fire, a spokesperson for Dublin Fire Brigade said: “Firefighters were called to a fire in a premises on St Stephen's Green at 10:38am this morning. The fire is under control with an effective evacuation helping enormously.
"Six fire engines including a turntable ladder and emergency tender remain on scene. Traffic restrictions in area.”
It seems that the actor is making a habit of being interviewed in random places across the British Isles, as he was stopped by a BBC journalist in the streets of Richmond to be asked about the new runway at Heathrow airport.
Joshua Nair