Will Ferrell

John William Ferrell, born July 16, 1967, is an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer known for his leading roles in comedy films and work in television production. Over his career, he has earned six Primetime Emmy Awards and a British Academy Television Award, as well as nominations for two Golden Globe Awards and a Tony Award. In 2011, he received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, followed by a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and being named British GQ's best comedian of the year in 2015.

Ferrell was born in Irvine, California, to Betty Kay, an elementary school and college teacher, and Roy Lee Ferrell Jr., a musician for the Righteous Brothers. As an infant, he underwent a pyloromyotomy for pyloric stenosis. After his parents divorced when he was eight, he was raised in Irvine, where he attended Culverdale Elementary, Rancho San Joaquin Middle School, and University High School. There, he played varsity football, soccer, and captained the basketball team. He realized his talent for comedy in school skits before attending the University of Southern California, graduating with a degree in sports information in 1990.

After working briefly as a hotel valet and a bank teller, Ferrell moved to Los Angeles in 1991 to pursue comedy. He joined the improvisation group The Groundlings, developing original characters and impersonation skills. By 1995, he secured small acting roles on television series such as Grace Under Fire and Living Single, alongside low-budget film appearances.

In 1995, Ferrell joined the cast of Saturday Night Live, performing on the sketch series until 2002. His seven-year tenure featured prominent impersonations of figures including George W. Bush, Alex Trebek, Harry Caray, and James Lipton, alongside original characters like Steve Butabi. By 2001, he became the show's highest-paid cast member. He later returned to guest host five times, joining the show's Five Timers Club.

Following his departure from Saturday Night Live, Ferrell launched a successful film career, establishing himself as a member of Hollywood's "Frat Pack." He starred in major comedy films including Old School (2003), Elf (2003), Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004), Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006), Step Brothers (2008), The Other Guys (2010), and Barbie (2023). He also took on dramatic roles in films like Stranger than Fiction (2006), Everything Must Go (2010), and Downhill (2020).

Beyond live-action films, Ferrell co-founded the comedy website Funny or Die in 2007. He provided voice work for animated features including Curious George, Megamind, and The Lego Movie franchise. As a television producer, he won four Primetime Emmy Awards for the drama series Succession and the specials Live in Front of a Studio Audience, while also producing Dead to Me and Drunk History. On Broadway, he earned a Tony Award nomination for his portrayal of George W. Bush in You're Welcome America (2009).