Will Ferrell

About

Will Ferrell is a renowned American actorA performer who portrays a character in a film, television show, theater, or other dramatic producti..., comedian, producerA key figure responsible for managing the production of a film, TV show, or album, including financi..., and writer, born on July 16, 1967, in Irvine, California. He first gained fame as a cast member of the legendary sketch comedyA genre intended to amuse and provoke laughter, featuring humorous characters and situations. It exi... show, 'Saturday Night Live' in the mid-'90s, and he is known for his charismatic humor and ability to play a diverse array of characters. Following his time on SNL, Ferrell starred in a string of successful comedy films including 'Anchorman', 'Step Brothers', and 'Elf'. His efforts have been recognized with several award nominations, including two Golden Globe awardsAwards presented annually by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association to recognize excellence in film.... Beyond acting, Ferrell is also a founder of the comedy website Funny or Die and continues to make significant contributions to the entertainment industry.

Associated With

Will Ferrell has had numerous associations and collaborations within the entertainment industry. Starting off as a cast member in Saturday Night Live, he developed a professional relationship with fellow cast members such as Chris Kattan, with whom he starred in the movie "A Night at the Roxbury." He worked closely with director Adam McKay, co-founding Gary Sanchez Productions and collaborating on films like "Anchorman," "Step Brothers" and "Talladega Nights." His comedy partnership with John C. Reilly is well recognized in these films. Infamous for his role in "Elf," his association with director Jon Favreau was applauded. In his personal life, he’s been married to Viveca Paulin since 2000, an actress who has made small appearances in some of his films. Ferrell's also worked with numerous other renowned actors such as Mark Wahlberg, in "The Other Guys," and Mel Gibson in "Daddy's Home 2".

Career Highlights

• Born on July 16, 1967, Will Ferrell started his career in showbiz in the mid-90s but his breakthrough came in the year 1995 when he joined the popular sketch comedy show, 'Saturday Night Live'.
• After earning critical acclaim in 'Saturday Night Live', he made his big-screen debut with a small role in the crime-comedy, 'Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery' in 1997.
• Will had his first leading role in the sports-comedy, 'A Night at the Roxbury' in 1998, which he co-wrote with his SNL co-star, Chris Kattan.
• In 2003, Ferrell starred in the Christmas comedy 'Elf,' which was a box office hit, earning over $220 million worldwide.
• 2004 was an important year in his career as he featured in the film 'Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy', which is considered a classic in the comedy genre.
• It was in the year 2006 that Ferrell started earning awards for his performances with the James Joyce Award.
• He won Best Kiss for 'Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby' at the MTV Movie Awards in 2007.
• His voice-over work for the title character in the animated film 'Megamind' in 2010 received highly positive reviews.
• In 2015, Ferrell was recognized for his comedic contributions to television and film and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
• Will received the Comedy Star of the Year Award at the CinemaCon Awards in 2015.
• In 2017, he was awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, honoring his significant contribution to American humor.
• Most recently, he lent his voice for the sequel 'The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part' in 2019.

Notable Awards

• Will Ferrell has won numerous awards throughout his career, including but not limited to:
• Primetime Emmy Awards (2019) - Outstanding Variety Sketch Series for "Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear's 'All in the Family' and 'The Jeffersons'".
• James Joyce Award from the Literary and HistoricalA genre of film, literature, and television that is set in the past, often focusing on significant h... Society of University College Dublin (2012).
• Mark Twain Prize for American Humor (2011).
• ESPY Awards (2007) - Best Sports Movie for "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby".
• MTV Movie Awards - Best Comedic Performance for "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" (2004) and "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" (2006).
• Razzie Award - Worst Actor for "Holmes & Watson" (2018).

FAQs

What Is the Most Popular Will Ferrell Movie/TV Show?

Will Ferrell is a renowned actor known for an assortment of popular roles, but arguably his most recognized role is that of Buddy the Elf in the holiday classic "Elf." Released in 2003, "Elf" tells the heartwarming and hilarious story of a human raised by elves in the North Pole who travels to New York City to meet his biological father. This movie is lauded not just for Ferrell's comedic performance, but also for its embracing of holiday spirit and family values. Many consider "Elf" a Christmas staple due to its charm, humor, and timeless message, making it one of the most popular movies in Will Ferrell's extensive filmography.

How Did Will Ferrell Get Famous?

Will Ferrell got famous through his successful career as a comedian, which took off when he joined the cast of the popular sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 1995. His unique humor and impersonations of various characters, including impressions of famous figures like former President George W. Bush, made him a fan favorite on the show. After leaving SNL in 2002, he transitioned into feature films and starred in a number of hit comedies, including "Elf" and "Anchorman", that solidified his standing in mainstream cinema and popular culture.