John William Ferrell is a multi-talented American entertainer celebrated for his comedic acting, writing, and production skills. His prominent roles in comedic films and television have earned him critical acclaim, including five Emmy Awards and the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. In recognition of his significant contributions to entertainment, Ferrell was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2015 and was recognized as the best comedian by British GQ the same year.
July 16, 1967: Birth of Will Ferrell
Will Ferrell was born on July 16, 1967, in Irvine, California. This marks the birth of the American actor, comedian, writer, and producer known for his significant contributions to comedy.
1990: Graduation and Early Jobs
After graduating with a B.A. degree in sports information in 1990, Will Ferrell took various odd jobs, including working as a hotel valet and a Wells Fargo teller.
1991: Moved to Los Angeles
In 1991, encouraged by his mother, Will Ferrell moved to Los Angeles and joined The Groundlings, where he honed his improvisation skills.
1994: SNL Audition
After a decline in SNL's popularity, a producer saw The Groundlings and asked Will Ferrell to audition for SNL's main producer, Lorne Michaels, leading to his eventual joining in 1995.
1994: Joined The Groundlings
By 1994, Will Ferrell had joined The Groundlings, where he created original characters and honed his comedic skills.
1995: Joined Saturday Night Live
In 1995, Will Ferrell became a cast member on the sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live, marking the start of his rise to fame.
1995: Early Roles and Mall Santa
In 1995, Will Ferrell began receiving small roles, including appearances in TV series and commercials, and even served as a mall Santa Claus.
1995: Joined Saturday Night Live
Will Ferrell joined Saturday Night Live in 1995, marking the beginning of his successful tenure on the show.
1995: Meeting Viveca Paulin
Will Ferrell met his future wife, Swedish actress Viveca Paulin, in an acting class in 1995.
1997: Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
Will Ferrell appeared in the movie Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery in 1997 during his time on Saturday Night Live.
1998: A Night at the Roxbury Release
In 1998, Will Ferrell starred in A Night at the Roxbury, a film based on his SNL characters, the Butabi Brothers.
1998: A Night at the Roxbury
In 1998, Will Ferrell starred in A Night at the Roxbury, a film based on his SNL characters.
1999: Multiple Film Roles
Will Ferrell appeared in several films in 1999, including Superstar, Dick, and Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.
August 2000: Marriage to Viveca Paulin
Will Ferrell married Swedish actress Viveca Paulin in August 2000, whom he had met in 1995.
2000: The Ladies Man and Drowning Mona
In 2000, Will Ferrell appeared in The Ladies Man and Drowning Mona, continuing to expand his filmography.
2001: Highest Paid SNL Cast Member
In 2001, Will Ferrell became the highest-paid cast member of Saturday Night Live, earning a season salary of $350,000.
2001: Zoolander and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
Will Ferrell appeared in Zoolander and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back in 2001, further establishing his film career.
2002: Left Saturday Night Live
Will Ferrell left Saturday Night Live in 2002 after a seven-year tenure, having established himself as a prominent figure in comedy.
2002: Left Saturday Night Live
Will Ferrell left Saturday Night Live in 2002 after a seven-year tenure, having made a significant impact on the show.
2003: Old School
In 2003, Will Ferrell starred in Old School, which was a success and earned him an MTV Movie Awards nomination for Best Comedic Performance.
2003: Old School Release
In 2003, Will Ferrell starred in the comedy film Old School, which bolstered his standing as a leading man in comedy films.
2003: Elf Release
Will Ferrell starred in the comedy film Elf released in 2003, which became a holiday classic.
2004: Anchorman Release
In 2004, Will Ferrell starred in Anchorman, a comedy film that became a cult classic.
2004: Birth of First Son
Will Ferrell and Viveca Paulin welcomed their first son in 2004.
2004: Ferrell Joins the Frat Pack
Will Ferrell continued to take on comedic roles in films like "Melinda and Melinda" and "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" in 2004, solidifying his place in Hollywood's "Frat Pack."
2004: Ferrell Performs at the Oscars
Will Ferrell, alongside Jack Black, entertained the audience at the Academy Awards in 2004 with a comedic song titled "Get Off the Stage."
May 14, 2005: First SNL Host Appearance
Will Ferrell first returned to Saturday Night Live as a guest host on May 14, 2005, reprising his role as Alex Trebek in the 'Celebrity Jeopardy' sketches.
2005: Golden Globe Nomination
Will Ferrell was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his performance in the comedy film "The Producers" in 2005.
2005: Ferrell Earns $40 Million
Will Ferrell's success in comedy led to him earning $40 million in 2005.
2005: Kicking & Screaming Release
Will Ferrell starred in the comedy film Kicking & Screaming released in 2005, continuing his streak of comedy hits.
December 27, 2006: Ferrell Named Actor of the Year
On December 27, 2006, "The Magazine" recognized Will Ferrell as one of their three actors of the year for his work in 2006.
2006: Ferrell Performs at ESPY Awards
Will Ferrell showcased his comedic talents by singing a humorous song about Lance Armstrong and Neil Armstrong at the ESPY Awards in 2006.
2006: Golden Globe Nomination
In 2006, Will Ferrell received a Golden Globe Award nomination for his comedic role in the film "Stranger Than Fiction."
2006: Birth of Second Son
Will Ferrell and Viveca Paulin's second son was born in 2006.
2006: Talladega Nights Release
In 2006, Will Ferrell starred in Talladega Nights, further establishing his place in comedy films.
April 2007: "Funny or Die" Launch and "The Landlord" Short
Ferrell and Adam McKay launched the comedy video website "Funny or Die" in April 2007, featuring shorts like "The Landlord" starring Ferrell and McKay's daughter.
2007: Named Worst Celebrity Autographer
Autograph magazine named Will Ferrell the worst celebrity autographer in 2007, citing his taunting of fans, which he acknowledged doing.
2007: Founded Funny or Die
Will Ferrell co-founded the comedy website Funny or Die in 2007 with Adam McKay, further expanding his influence in comedy.
2007: Blades of Glory Release
Will Ferrell starred in the comedy film Blades of Glory, released in 2007, adding to his list of successful comedy roles.
2007: Ferrell Returns to the Oscars
Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, and Jack Black joined forces for a musical performance at the Academy Awards in 2007, poking fun at comedies being overlooked for awards.
September 2008: "Will Ferrell Answers Internet Questions" and "Green Team" Release
In September 2008, Ferrell appeared in "Funny or Die" videos like "Will Ferrell Answers Internet Questions" and "Green Team" with McKay and John C. Reilly.
2008: James Joyce Award
In recognition of his comedic achievements, Will Ferrell was honored with the James Joyce Award by the University College Dublin's Literary and Historical Society in 2008.
2008: Ferrell Stars in "Step Brothers"
In 2008, Will Ferrell teamed up with John C. Reilly for the comedy "Step Brothers," directed by frequent collaborator Adam McKay. The film received mixed reviews but later gained a cult following.
2008: Step Brothers Release
In 2008, Will Ferrell starred in the comedy film Step Brothers, which became a fan favorite.
2008: Ferrell and Reilly at the ESPYs
Continuing their comedic partnership, Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly delivered a memorable performance at the 2008 ESPY Awards, incorporating humorous demands for their appearance.
January 20, 2009: "You're Welcome America" Premieres
Will Ferrell made his Broadway debut on January 20, 2009, starring as George W. Bush in the one-man show "You're Welcome America. A Final Night with George W. Bush."
March 15, 2009: "You're Welcome America" Closes
After a limited engagement, Will Ferrell's Broadway show "You're Welcome America. A Final Night with George W. Bush" closed on March 15, 2009.
May 2009: Ferrell in Talks for "Neighborhood Watch"
In May 2009, Will Ferrell entered negotiations to star in the comedy "Neighborhood Watch" (later titled "The Watch"), but he ultimately decided not to participate in the project.
May 16, 2009: Second SNL Host Appearance
On May 16, 2009, Will Ferrell hosted Saturday Night Live again, reprising his role as Alex Trebek in the 'Celebrity Jeopardy' sketches.
August 2009: Ferrell Exits "Neighborhood Watch"
In August 2009, Will Ferrell made the decision to withdraw from the film "Neighborhood Watch."
2009: Tony Award Nomination
In 2009, Will Ferrell received a Tony Award nomination for Best Special Theatrical Event for his satirical portrayal of George W. Bush in You're Welcome America.
2009: Tony Award Nomination
Will Ferrell received a Tony Award nomination for Best Special Theatrical Event for his work on "You're Welcome America. A Final Night with George W Bush" in 2009.
May 6, 2010: Appears as "Billy Ray 'RoJo' Johnson" at Baseball Game
On May 6, 2010, Ferrell appeared as fictional pitcher "Billy Ray 'RoJo' Johnson" at a minor league baseball game in Texas, throwing one pitch and staging a fight before revealing himself.
2010: "Talladega Nights" Holds Record
As of 2010, "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" held the record for Will Ferrell's highest-grossing live-action opening weekend at $47 million.
2010: Birth of Third Son
In 2010, Will Ferrell and Viveca Paulin became parents to their third son.
2010: Ferrell Stars in "The Other Guys"
Will Ferrell both starred in and executive produced the buddy cop comedy "The Other Guys" in 2010, which featured a star-studded cast and achieved both commercial and critical acclaim.
2010: The Other Guys Release
Will Ferrell starred in the comedy film The Other Guys released in 2010, showcasing his versatility in comedy.
2010: Ferrell Voices "Megamind"
Will Ferrell took on the lead voice role in the DreamWorks animated film "Megamind" in 2010, replacing Robert Downey Jr.
2011: Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
In 2011, Will Ferrell was honored with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, recognizing his exceptional contributions to comedy.
2011: Ferrell in Beastie Boys Music Video
Will Ferrell made a memorable cameo appearance in the Beastie Boys' music video for their song "Make Some Noise" in 2011, showcasing his comedic timing in a limousine scene.
2011: Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
In 2011, Will Ferrell received the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, a testament to his significant contributions to the world of comedy.
2011: Meets Barack and Michelle Obama
Ferrell met President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in 2011.
May 12, 2012: Third SNL Host Appearance
Will Ferrell hosted Saturday Night Live for the third time on May 12, 2012, continuing his association with the show.
August 2012: Appears on "The Project" and Speaks with Julia Gillard
While promoting "The Campaign" in Australia in August 2012, Ferrell appeared on the TV show "The Project" and had a humorous conversation with Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
2012: Soccer Aid Participation
Will Ferrell participated in Soccer Aid 2012.
2012: Supports Barack Obama in Presidential Election
Will Ferrell supported Barack Obama in the 2012 presidential election.
2012: Ferrell Stars in "Casa de Mi Padre"
Will Ferrell took on the lead role in "Casa de Mi Padre," a Spanish-language comedy directed by Matt Piedmont and released in 2012.
February 2013: Endorses Eric Garcetti for Mayor of Los Angeles
Will Ferrell endorsed Eric Garcetti for mayor of Los Angeles in February 2013.
2013: "Anchorman 2" Released
A sequel to the comedy hit "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" was released in 2013, titled "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues."
2013: Drunk History Producer
From 2013 to 2019, Will Ferrell produced the comedy series Drunk History, further establishing his career as a producer.
May 22, 2014: Ferrell and Smith's Drum-Off
Will Ferrell and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith engaged in a highly publicized drum-off battle on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on May 22, 2014, turning their long-running joke feud into a charitable event.
June 10, 2014: Ferrell and Smith Challenge Ulrich
Will Ferrell and Chad Smith extended their drum-off challenge to Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich on June 10, 2014, based on their perceived physical resemblance.
2014: Ferrell Voted Best "SNL" Cast Member
In a 2014 poll conducted by Grantland, Will Ferrell earned the top spot as the best "Saturday Night Live" cast member of all time.
2014: Ferrell Voices "The Lego Movie"
Will Ferrell lent his voice to the character of President Business in "The Lego Movie," released in 2014.
2014: Ferrell Cast in "Zeroville" and "Russ and Roger Go Beyond"
Will Ferrell took on roles in two films in 2014: the comedy-drama "Zeroville" and the biopic "Russ and Roger Go Beyond."
2014: The Lego Movie Franchise
Will Ferrell voiced roles in The Lego Movie film franchise starting in 2014, adding voice acting to his repertoire.
March 12, 2015: Plays in Major League Baseball Spring Training Games
For charity, Ferrell played all ten positions in five Major League Baseball spring training games on March 12, 2015, with memorabilia proceeds donated to cancer charities.
December 12, 2015: Ferrell Returns to "SNL"
Will Ferrell made a return to the "Saturday Night Live" stage on December 12, 2015, reprising his role as George W. Bush during the show's cold open.
2015: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
Will Ferrell received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2015, cementing his legacy in the entertainment industry.
2015: Get Hard Release
In 2015, Will Ferrell starred in the comedy film Get Hard, continuing his successful film career.
2015: Ferrell Stars in "Get Hard" and "Daddy's Home"
Will Ferrell had a busy year in 2015, starring in two comedies: "Get Hard" and "Daddy's Home."
2015: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
In 2015, Will Ferrell's contributions to the film industry were solidified with the presentation of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2015: Executive Producer of "The Chris Gethard Show"
From 2015 to 2016, Ferrell served as an executive producer for "The Chris Gethard Show" on Fusion.
January 7, 2016: Becomes Part-Owner of Los Angeles FC
It was announced on January 7, 2016, that Will Ferrell would become a part-owner of the Major League Soccer team Los Angeles FC, joining other celebrity co-owners.
2016: Executive Producer of "The Chris Gethard Show"
From 2015 to 2016, Ferrell served as an executive producer for "The Chris Gethard Show" on Fusion.
2016: LAFC Part-Owner
In 2016, Will Ferrell became a part-owner of the Major League Soccer team, Los Angeles FC.
2016: Ferrell Returns for "Zoolander 2"
Will Ferrell reprised his role as Jacobim Mugatu in the highly anticipated sequel "Zoolander 2," released in 2016.
May 12, 2017: Receives Honorary D.H.L. Degree from USC
Will Ferrell was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (D.H.L.) degree by the University of Southern California on May 12, 2017.
2017: Executive Producer of "The Chris Gethard Show"
From 2017 to 2018, Ferrell continued as an executive producer when "The Chris Gethard Show" moved to truTV.
2017: I'm Sorry Producer
Will Ferrell produced the series I'm Sorry from 2017 to 2019, showcasing his versatility behind the camera.
2017: Ferrell in "Daddy's Home 2"
Will Ferrell reunited with Mark Wahlberg for "Daddy's Home 2," the sequel to their previous comedy hit, released in 2017.
January 27, 2018: Fourth SNL Host Appearance
On January 27, 2018, Will Ferrell hosted Saturday Night Live for the fourth time, adding to his legacy on the show.
April 13, 2018: Involved in Car Accident
On April 13, 2018, Will Ferrell was in a serious two-car collision in California where the SUV he was a passenger in flipped. He was unhurt.
2018: Ferrell Hosts "SNL" Again
Will Ferrell returned to host "Saturday Night Live" in 2018, once again delighting audiences with his comedic talent and memorable characters, including George W. Bush.
2018: Canvasses for Democratic Party in Georgia
A supporter of the Democratic Party, Will Ferrell canvassed for the party in Georgia in 2018.
2018: Los Angeles FC Begins Play
Los Angeles FC, the Major League Soccer team Will Ferrell co-owns, began playing in 2018.
2018: "Russ and Roger Go Beyond" Cancelled
Due to the #MeToo movement and its implications for director Russ Meyer's legacy, the biopic "Russ and Roger Go Beyond," in which Will Ferrell was set to play Russ Meyer, was cancelled in 2018.
2018: Executive Producer of "The Chris Gethard Show"
From 2017 to 2018, Ferrell continued as an executive producer when "The Chris Gethard Show" moved to truTV.
February 2019: The Ron Burgundy Podcast Launch
In February 2019, Will Ferrell launched "The Ron Burgundy Podcast" with iHeart Radio Podcast Network, initially planned for two seasons.
March 21, 2019: Ferrell's Guest Commentary
On March 21, 2019, Will Ferrell, in character as Ron Burgundy, provided commentary for the entire second period of the Kings vs. San Jose Sharks game, broadcast on local television.
October 2019: Big Money Players Network Launch
In October 2019, Ferrell partnered with iHeart Radio to launch his own podcast network, the Big Money Players Network, featuring comedy podcasts.
November 23, 2019: Fifth SNL Host Appearance
Will Ferrell joined the Five Timers Club by hosting Saturday Night Live for the fifth time on November 23, 2019.
2019: "Zeroville" Released
After a delay, the film "Zeroville," starring Will Ferrell, was finally released in 2019.
2019: Split from Adam McKay and Gary Sanchez Productions Closure
Ferrell and Adam McKay ended their personal and professional relationship in 2019, closing their production company, Gary Sanchez Productions, reportedly due to a casting disagreement.
2019: Executive Producer of "Dead to Me"
Ferrell was an executive producer for the Netflix series "Dead to Me," starring Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini, which ran from 2019 to 2022.
2019: Succession Producer
From 2019, Will Ferrell received Primetime Emmy Awards for his work as a producer on the drama series Succession.
2019: The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part
In 2019, Will Ferrell continued his voice role in The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, contributing to the successful franchise.
2019: Emmy Awards
In 2019, Will Ferrell won two Primetime Emmy Awards for his work on "Live in Front of a Studio Audience."
2019: Ferrell Returns for "The Lego Movie 2"
Will Ferrell reprised his role as President Business in the sequel to "The Lego Movie," titled "The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part," released in 2019.
2020: "Downhill" and "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga" Release
Will Ferrell starred in two films in 2020: "Downhill" with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and the musical comedy "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga" with Rachel McAdams.
2020: Downhill Release
In 2020, Will Ferrell took on a dramatic role in the film Downhill, showcasing his range as an actor.
2020: Emmy Awards
Will Ferrell received two Primetime Emmy Awards in 2020: one for his role in "Succession" and another for "Live in Front of a Studio Audience."
2022: Executive Producer of "Dead to Me"
Ferrell was an executive producer for the Netflix series "Dead to Me," starring Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini, which ran from 2019 to 2022.
2022: Live in Front of a Studio Audience Producer
From 2019 to 2022, Will Ferrell produced the specials Live in Front of a Studio Audience, adding to his accolades as a producer.
2022: The Ron Burgundy Podcast Renewed
In 2022, "The Ron Burgundy Podcast" was renewed for a fifth live season.
2022: "Spirited" Release and Production
In 2022, Ferrell starred in and produced the Apple TV+ musical comedy "Spirited" with Ryan Reynolds.
2022: LAFC Wins MLS Cup
Will Ferrell, a part-owner of Los Angeles F.C., celebrated victory in 2022 when the team clinched the MLS Cup championship.
2023: Ferrell's Playoff Fandom
During the 2023 playoffs, Will Ferrell showed his enthusiastic support for the Kings, wearing a checkered face print with the team's colors. His visible presence in the front row, particularly during the games against the Edmonton Oilers, became a viral sensation and sparked imitations throughout the NHL.
2023: "Barbie" and "Quiz Lady" Roles
Ferrell appeared in Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" as the Mattel CEO and starred in and produced "Quiz Lady" in 2023.
2023: Burgundy's Legacy
In the 2023-2024 NHL season, Kings goaltender Cam Talbot paid homage to Will Ferrell's memorable Ron Burgundy commentary from 2019. Talbot's gear featured an image of Burgundy, serving as a nod to the iconic moment.
2023: Barbie Release
Will Ferrell starred in the film Barbie, released in 2023, marking his latest role in a diverse filmography.
2023: Succession Producer
Will Ferrell's work on the drama series Succession continued to receive acclaim through 2023, earning him multiple Emmy Awards.
2024: Despicable Me 4 Release
Will Ferrell is set to voice a role in Despicable Me 4, scheduled for release in 2024, continuing his work in animated films.