Will Ferrell Headshot
Report a problem with this profile
[email protected]

Will Ferrell      

Emmy Award-Winning Actor, Comedian & Producer Known for "Anchorman," "Step Brothers," "Saturday Night Live" & "Will & Harper"

Will Ferrell, an actor, comedian, and producer, is a staple in the film and television industry. Ferrell cultivated his comedic talents studying at the University of Southern California and later joining the Los Angeles-based improv group The Groundlings. His sharp wit and improvisational abilities gained attention, leading to his breakthrough in 1995 when he joined the cast of "Saturday Night Live" (SNL). Over his seven-year tenure on SNL, Ferrell's versatility was evident through his impersonations of characters like George W. Bush and Robert Goulet and his original characters like the cheerleader Craig Buchanan and the nightclubber Steve Butabi.

Ferrell's success on SNL facilitated a thriving film career. He starred in Hollywood hits like "Old School," where he played the free-spirited Frank "The Tank" and "Elf," in which his portrayal of Buddy the Elf became an instant holiday classic. Other commendable comedic roles included "Anchorman," "Kicking & Screaming," "Talladega Nights," "Blades of Glory," "Step Brothers," "The Other Guys," and "Get Hard." His dramatic roles included films such as "Stranger than Fiction," "Everything Must Go," and "Downhill," while his voice acting contributions were notably in "Curious George," "Megamind," The Lego Movie film franchise, and "Despicable Me 4." Ferrell delivered the commencement address at the University of Southern California and was awarded an honorary D.H.L. degree by the University on May 12, 2017.

In addition to his acting success, Ferrell co-founded the comedy website Funny or Die in 2007 with his former writing partner Adam McKay. He was also part of the production company Gary Sanchez Productions, which was closed in 2019. Through these ventures, Ferrell not only produced many of his own films but also was involved in producing popular comedies, including the series "I'm Sorry," "Dead to Me," and "Drunk History." Ferrell received four Primetime Emmy Awards for his work as a producer on the drama series "Succession" and for the specials "Live in Front of a Studio Audience." Ferrell’s unique brand of humor and commitment to comedy earned him numerous accolades, including Golden Globe nominations, several MTV Movie Awards, plus the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2011.

Ferrell has made memorable guest appearances on shows like "The Office" and "Eastbound & Down," while also returning to SNL as a beloved host. In 2020, he starred in "Downhill" and "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga." He produced and starred in the Apple TV+ musical comedy film "Spirited" in 2022, and played the CEO of Mattel in "Barbie" in 2023. Ferrell co-stars in the Netflix documentary "Will & Harper," a docuseries following Ferrell and his friend Harper Steele on a road trip across the country following Steele's transition.

News


Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams star as Icelandic Eurovision hopefuls in the comedy of the summer
How the director of Wedding Crashers made a fantastic Netflix movie about the world’s weirdest song competition.

Related Speakers View all


More like Will