US comedian Sarah Silverman addressed a fractured Democratic National Convention on Monday to call for unity within the party.

Previously a vocal supporter of Bernie Sanders throughout his campaign, Ms Silverman sought to impress on the crowd the impact Mr Sanders’ had made on the Democratic Party, but called for supporters to rally behind the party’s presumptive nominee, Hillary Clinton.

The move was not received well by ardent supporters of Mr Sanders, who erupted in boos and jeers.

As competing chants of Bernie and Hillary swamped the room, an increasingly exasperated Ms Silverman said: “To the ‘Bernie or Bust’ people, you’re being ridiculous.”

Her remark followed a speech in which she derided Donald Trump’s “arrested development” campaign, and won loud cheers for her praise of Mr Sanders.

“As some of you may know, I support Bernie Sanders and the movement behind him,” Ms Silverman said.

“And Bernie’s already succeeded in so many ways.”

“Not only did Bernie wake us up, he made us understand what is possible and what we deserve. My shrink says we don’t get what we want, we get what we think we deserve, and Bernie showed us that all of America’s citizens deserve quality health care and education, not just the wealthy elite.”

She went on to praise the party’s selection process at the expense of the Republican battle that saw Mr Trump triumph.

“This Democratic primary was exemplary,” Ms Silverman said. “No name calling, no comments about the size of candidates’ hands or ethnicity or how much they sweat or if they go to the bathroom… That’s like major arrested development stuff. That’s ‘I’m still emotionally four, and calling people names from my gold-encrusted sandbox because I was given money instead of human touch and coping tools'.”

Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures First Lady Michelle Obama called on Democratic party members to trust in the 'steady and measured' Mrs Clinton, in a speech critics described as "show-stealing" Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures The first day of the convention was attended by a vast crowd of approximately 50,000 as the event got into full swing in Philadelphia Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Senator Bernie Sanders delivered an impassioned speech endorsing Mrs Clinton, and asking the party to unite for their prospective candidate REUTERS Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Two advocates of the former candidate Sanders were reduced to tears as details of an alleged conspiracy against his nomination were gradually revealed REUTERS Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Senator Elizabeth Warren was repeatedly heckled and booed as she endorsed Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential candidacy Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Former president Bill Clinton (left) looks pensive as the resentment against his wife's nomination appeared to grow during day one of the convention Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures A Bernie Sanders supporter taped her mouth shut in protest against his perceived mistreatment at the hands of the Democratic party AFP/Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Senator Cor Brooker called for unity within the party, saying: "We are called to be a nation of love" REUTERS Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Actress Eva Longoria gave a heartfelt speech in which she called upon members to trust in Mrs Clinton as their candidate Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Senator Al Franken was joined on stage by comedian and actress Sarah Silverman, with critics praising their double act Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Delegates danced joyously at the convention in the Wells Fargo Center as musical entertainment was provided Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Pop singer Demi Lovato told the DNC she was "living with mental illness" before performing her hit single 'Confident' Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon was another high-profile performer to entertain the crowd on day one Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Anastasia Somoza, an international disability rights advocate, also delivered remarks on the first day of the convention Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures A delegate holds a sign that reads "Stronger together" as the first day of the convention drew to a close Getty Images

“Hilary heard the passions of the people behind Bernie and brought those passions into the party’s platform, and that is the process of democracy at its very best,” she added, before throwing her full support behind Ms Clinton.

“Hillary is our Democratic nominee, and I will proudly vote for her,” Ms Silverman said.

“A few years ago she was secretary, and now she’s going to be president. She’s like the only person who’s over qualified for the job as president.