Skip to main content

Will Ferrell Facts That Will Surprise Even His Biggest Fans

By Every Day Story25 items
Share

About this list

Will Ferrell is a comedy icon, known for his loud, brash style on Saturday Night Live and in movies like Austin Powers and Zoolander. He won praise for leading roles in Old School, Elf, and Anchorman, and also turned in solid drama performances in Stranger than Fiction and Everything Must Go. But who is Will Ferrell outside of his movie roles? We've dug into his history, including interviews, quotes, and anecdotes, to bring you the best stories about the man behind the comedy. This is a look at his life, a Will Ferrell biography of sorts.

Crowd-ranked
Anything
updating live25 items
  • 1
    He Found His Love For Performing While Doing The Morning Announcements

    Ferrell went to University High School in Irvine, California, and handled the morning announcements.Ferrell handled the morning announcements.He did them in wacky voices. Ferrell also performed full skits with friends over the intercom.

    His love for performing started there.

    Anything
  • 2

    You see it from his lap across the quad in Old School.Old School.Ferrell runs a lot. Both he and his wife ran the Boston Marathon in April 2003; his time was 4 hours, 2 minutes, and 29 seconds.He and his wife ran the Boston Marathon in April 2003. His time was 4 hours, 2 minutes, and 29 seconds.

    Two years earlier, they ran the New York City Marathon together. His time then was 5 hours, 1 minute, and 56 seconds.

    Anything
  • 3
    He Was The Highest-Paid 'SNL' Cast Member Of All Time

    Ferrell had a long and impressive run on SNL.He had a long and impressive run on SNL.His run was on SNL.His run was on SNL.He worked on SNL from 1996 to 2002. Near the end, he earned $350,000 a season starting in 2001. This pay jump came from his popularity on SNL, especially his role as President George W. Bush, and other things.He earned $350,000 a season starting in 2001 from his popularity on SNL, especially his portrayal of President George W. Bush, and beyond.He earned $350,000 a season starting in 2001 from his popularity on SNL, in particular his portrayal of President George W. Bush, and beyond.

    Anything
  • 4
    The Roxbury Guys Began As A Groundlings Sketch

    The Groundlings is a Los Angeles improv school. Ferrell and a fellow student/future SNL cast member were there.Ferrell and a fellow student/future SNL cast member were at The Groundlings.Ferrell and co-star Chris Kattan.They developed their now-famous "Roxbury Guys" bit."Roxbury Guys" bit, which later became the feature film A Night at the Roxbury.A Night at the Roxbury.A Night at the Roxbury.A Night at the Roxbury.The Roxbury Guys Began As A Groundlings Sketch.

    In 2014, w.When Ferrell was asked how they made that headshake, he said:""I do not know the exact details.Chris Kattan and I acted stupid in my apartment while writing that sketch for the Groundlings show back then. It also happens when the beat of any Haddaway song hits your ear.

    Anything
  • 5
    He Loves That He And Chad Smith Look Alike

    Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith and Ferrell look alike. The pair use this look for comedy. They did this on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.They used their look on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.They did a "drum-off" on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

    He said in his Reddit AMA:Many times, people acknowledge that Chad Smith, drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and I share a resemblance. Some think it is me playing for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. That insults Chad Smith. The truth is there is no Will Ferrell. Only Chad Smith.

    Anything
  • 6

    Ferrell appears in Old School.Old School.Zoolander.and even The Cable Guy. The Cable Guy.Critics group Ferrell with comedic actors known as The Frat Pack.The Frat Pack.Films from this group often feature other members—including Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Steve Carrell, Jack Black, Luke Wilson, and Owen Wilson—and usually show dudes doing dude stuff, hence the "frat" reference in the name.Films from this group often feature other members—including Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Steve Carrell, Jack Black, Luke Wilson, and Owen Wilson—and usually show dudes doing dude stuff, hence the "frat" reference in the name.Films from this group often feature other members—including Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Steve Carrell, Jack Black, Luke Wilson, and Owen Wilson—and usually show dudes doing dude stuff, hence the "frat" reference in the name.

    Anything
  • 7
    There's A Backstory Behind The Piano Key Tie In 'Zoolander'

    In the 2001 film Zoolander,In the 2001 film Zoolander,Ferrell plays Mugatu, a fashion mogul. The character's fame comes from creating the piano key necktie, an invention that matches Ferrell's father. Lee Ferrell was the keyboardist (and saxophonist) for The Righteous Brothers.Ferrell plays Mugatu, a fashion mogul. The character's fame comes from creating the piano key necktie, an invention that matches Ferrell's father. Lee Ferrell was the keyboardist (and saxophonist) for The Righteous Brothers.Lee Ferrell was the keyboardist (and saxophonist) for The Righteous Brothers.There is a backstory for the piano key tie-in in 'Zoolander'.

    Anything
  • 8
    He Turned Down $29 Million To Do 'Elf 2'

    Ferrell does not sign any film just for the money. For example, he received $29 million to star in the sequel to the 2003 comedy Elf.He received $29 million to star in the sequel to the 2003 comedy Elf,He turned down $29 million for 'Elf 2', but He turned down a $29 million offer for 'Elf 2'.

    That was the money offered. But I killed the sequel idea. I asked myself: could I handle the criticism if it was bad and people said, 'He did the sequel for the money'? I decided I could not. I did not want to enter an area that could erase my good work... But watch—I will make a bad sequel later.

    Anything
  • 9
    He Pops Up In 'Kingpin'

    He pops up in 'Kingpin' in the list 'Will Ferrell Facts That Will Surprise Even His Biggest Fans'He pops up in the Farrelly Brothers' 1996 film 'Kingpin' in the list 'Will Ferrell Facts That Will Surprise Even His Biggest Fans''Kingpin'A final bowling match happened between Woody Harrelson and Bill Murray in Kingpin. During the match's peak, someone shouted, "Ernie, you're the man!" That was a young Ferrell playing Team Murray.

    Anything
  • 10
    He Loves That Cowbell Skit As Much As You Do

    In an episode of'SNL'In 2000, Ferrell appeared with castmates and host Christopher Walken in a skit mocking the noticeable cowbell in the Blue Oyster Cult song "Don't Fear The Reaper." Fans made it a classic and created a catchphrase from Walken's line, "Needs more cowbell."

    Ferrell not onlyrevisited that bit several times (during a hosting job on SNL), but spoke fondly of it in a 2014 Reddit AMA: "To start with, my two favorite sketches had to be the Harry Caray space show with Jeff Goldblum and, of course, the cowbell sketch with Christopher Walken."'SNL'years later, and in the Beastie Boys music video "Make Some Noise," Ferrell revisited the bit. He also spoke fondly of it during a 2014 Reddit AMA: "I will say off the top of my head that my two favorite sketches that I was part of had to have been the Harry Caray space show with Jeff Goldblum and, of course, the cowbell sketch with Christopher Walken."

    Anything
  • 11

    He speaks with the Orange County Register in the list 'Will Ferrell Facts That Will Surprise Even His Biggest Fans'Speaking with the Orange County Register in the list 'Will Ferrell Facts That Will Surprise Even His Biggest Fans', Ferrell said he became funnybecauseof the monotony and safety of growing up in a nice neighborhood:

    Growing up in suburbia, in safe, master-planned Irvine, there was no drama, so we had to make it up ourselves. My main way to entertain myself was making my friends laugh and finding new ways to be funny.I did not need the survival instinct other comics had, who grew up in tough neighborhoods. I had the opposite. I grew up in Mayberry, and the humor broke the boredom. There was much to make fun of..

    Anything
  • 12
    He Had His Share Of Odd Jobs Before His Career Took Off

    Before 'SNL'and his film career succeeded, Ferrell took on odd jobs. He worked as a bank teller and a valet at the Newport Beach Meridien Hotel. Also, for five weeks, he played Santa Claus at a mall in Pasadena, CA, where friend and future co-star Chris Kattan also worked as an elf., Ferrell did his share of odd jobs. He was a bank teller and a valet at the Newport Beach Meridien Hotel. For five weeks, he played Santa Claus at a Pasadena, CA, mall, where friend and future co-star Chris Kattan also worked as an elf.

    Anything
  • 13
    He's Had That Scar On His Abdomen Since He Was A Baby

    Ever notice thatlarge scar whenever Ferrellis shirtless? That scar comes from surgery he had as a baby to treatpyloric stenosis, a condition that causes frequent vomiting.

    Anything
  • 14

    For a short time after Jay Leno retired first, Conan O'Brien hosted 'The Tonight Show' in the list 'Will Ferrell Facts That Will Surprise Even His Biggest Fans'The Tonight Show. A controversy arose when ratings dropped after O'Brien first appeared.. Ratings dropped after O'Brien debuted, causing a controversy. This lead Leno to return to the show while O'Brien left to host a new TBS series. As it happened,Ferrell was the gueston O'Brien's first episode as host of The Tonight Show.'The Tonight Show', and his last appearance.

    Anything
  • 15

    Ferrell is very activein the entertainment world, not just acting. He has produced TV shows likeHe doesn't just act in 'Drunk History, Eastbound and Down',andBetween Two Ferns.He produced several films, including "Hot Rod" and "Virginity Hit", as well as many of his own movies. Hot RodandVirginity HitHe also made many of his own movies.

    He wrote many classic comedies, such as "Night at the Roxbury," "Anchorman," and "Stepbrothers."Night at the Roxbury, AnchormanandStepbrothersHe also founded Funny or Die.

    Anything
  • 16
    He Believes His Brand of Comedy Comes From Not Holding Anything Back

    If one thing drives him, Ferrell believes his comedy comes from not holding back.Ferrell is known for this.He goes all out for laughs. Whether running naked through quad, screaming, or putting his (fake) balls on the drum set, nothing is off-limits.

    "What I realized starting comedy is I am probably not the wittiest or fastest, but I can guarantee I won't hold anything back," Ferrell told Esquire.Esquire:

    Ferrell found it funnier when yelling to the point of losing his voice instead of just yelling at someone in a scene—that extra step. That is the job of comedians.

    Anything
  • 17

    Ferrell met his wife, Swedish actress (and professional auctioneer) Viveca Paulin, in an acting class in 1995. They married five years later in August 2000. They have three sons:Magnus Paulin Ferrell, born in 2004,Mattias Paulin Ferrell, born in 2006, andAxel Paulin Ferrell, born in 2010.

    Anything
  • 18
    He Is A Huge Advocate For The Cancer For College Organization

    Ferrell has been friends with Cancer for College founder Craig Pollard since college. The organization helps cancer survivors pay for college. Since Craig started the foundation, Ferrell has helped and raised money in many ways, like attending their golf tournament, throwing pitches at baseball games, doing Reddit AMAs, or auctioning movie roles for over $50,000.

    Ferrell calls Cancer for College“one of the purest charities he has ever seen,” and says the annual golf tournament is the best part of his year.

    Anything
  • 19
    He Has A Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame

    Ferrell got abanner year in 2015. He received GQ'sComedian of the Year award, plus a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 26th. It is at6767 Hollywood Boulevard.

    Anything
  • 20
    He Was Roommates With Jon Stewart

    In the mid-'90s, when he joined the cast ofSNL, Ferrell was roommates with Jon Stewart.The Daily Show'sJon Stewart (who had not yet taken over the Comedy Central program).

    Anything
  • 21
    He Was A Jock In High School

    Ferrell played varsity football kicker, basketball captain, and soccer team member in high school. He earned a degree from USC in Sports Broadcasting and interned at NBC Sports.andmember of the soccer team in high school. He got a degree from USC in Sports Broadcasting. He even interned at NBC Sports.This love of sportsexplains his sports-themed comedies (Semi-Pro, Kicking and Screaming, Blades of Glory,etc.)

    I was not the class clown. I was popular in high school and college. I played sports well. I once worried I lacked the craziness to succeed in comedy or the trouble to be troubled. People were surprised initially when a mild-mannered person brought a script or character to life. I will throw a chair out a window just to see what happens. I lack demons, but I resist inhibitions.This covers 'He Was A Jock In High School' in the list 'Will Ferrell Facts That Will Surprise Even His Biggest Fans'.

    Anything
  • 22
    He Had Planned To Bribe Lorne Michaels With Fake Cash To Secure His Spot On 'SNL'

    Ferrell had an interesting idea to get Lorne Michaels's attention for SNL.Ferrell had an interesting idea to get Lorne Michaels's attention for SNL.He planned to bribe Lorne Michaels with fake cash to get his spot on SNL.Ferrell sought producer Lorne Michaels's attention during his first audition.

    I read that Adam Sandler humped a chair during his meeting with Lorne and made him laugh so hard he signed him on the spot. So, I planned to go in and be funny. I carried a briefcase full of fake money. As Lorne spoke, I planned to open it and stack cash on his desk. I would say, "Lorne, you can say whatever you want, but we all know what talks. That's cold, hard cash. Now, I'm walking out. Take the cash if you want. Or don't."

    Anything
  • 23
    He's Not ACTUALLY The Worst Autograph Signer

    He is not actually the worst autograph signer.He is not actually the worst autograph signer in the magazine. The magazine named Ferrell the worst celebrity autographer.The magazine's editor said: "What frustrates people about Will Ferrell being the worst autograph signer this year is that he used to be nice to fans and collectors and a great signer. What makes him bad is that he taunts people asking for his autograph."Ferrell replied, "I don't know how I got on the list. I sign many autographs."

    Ferrell admitted to taunting autograph-seekers: "I do. I really do. I ask, 'How badly do you want this autograph?' 'Are you sure?' 'You say you're my biggest fan, prove it.' I do things like that. They have to earn it."

    Anything
  • 24

    Ferrell went on record.Ferrell said he had no interest in meeting the former president he famously impersonated on SNL.He has never met George W. Bush, and he does not want to.Ferrell had the chance to meet him, even though he did not.

    I declined to meet him, partly for comedy. When I was on the show, meeting the people you play felt wrong, for fear they would influence me.He has never met George W. Bush, and he does not want to.At that time, meeting the people you play did not make sense, fearing their influence.Politically, I did not want to meet that man.

    Anything
  • 25
    He Has His Own Line of Sunscreen

    Ferrell has made a silly line of sunscreen.Ferrell has made a line of sunscreen lotion.Instead of making money for the actor, 100% of the proceeds go to charity. The lotion is described as such."Are you Sexy? Are You Hot? Then who wouldn't want a sexy, hot tan? This sunscreen uses our streaking strength formula plus one. All our sunscreen products come in 6 oz bottles, have 30 SPF, and offer UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection. 100% of sales proceeds go to the Cancer for College Scholarship Fund."

    Anything

Comments (0)

Join the conversation

Sign in to share your take and reply to others.

First take? Share what stood out to you.

More like this