Will Ferrell
Actor, comedian, producer
Born
July 16, 1967
Birthplace
Irvine, California, USA
Nationality
American
Net Worth
$170 million (2026 est.)
Known For
Saturday Night Live; Anchorman; Elf; Step Brothers; The Big Short
Will Ferrell Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | John William Ferrell |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 16, 1967 |
| Age | 59 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Irvine, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, comedian, producer |
| Years Active | 1995-present |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Spouse | Married to Viveca Paulin (2000-present) |
| Children | 3 |
| Net Worth | ~$170 million |
| Known For | Absurdist comedy characters and improvisation |
Early Life & Background
Ferrell attended University High School in Irvine, excelling in sports and school announcements. He studied sports information at the University of Southern California, joined The Groundlings improv troupe, and landed a spot on Saturday Night Live in 1995.
Career Journey
SNL Stardom
Ferrell became one of SNL's most celebrated cast members, crafting impressions of George W. Bush and creating characters like Craig the Spartan Cheerleader. He left the show in 2002 after earning an Emmy nomination and multiple fan-voted honors.
Film Success
He transitioned to films with hits like Old School, Anchorman, Elf, Talladega Nights, Blades of Glory, and Step Brothers. Ferrell frequently collaborates with director Adam McKay and co-stars John C. Reilly and Christina Applegate.
Producing & Dramatic Work
Ferrell co-founded Gary Sanchez Productions and later Gloria Sanchez Productions with Jessica Elbaum, producing Succession, Booksmart, and Hustlers. He also took dramatic turns in Stranger Than Fiction, Everything Must Go, and The Shrink Next Door.
Sports & Podcasts
A soccer superfan, Ferrell co-owns Los Angeles FC (MLS) and Angel City FC (NWSL). He regularly appears on comedy podcasts, launched the Ron Burgundy Podcast, and hosts charity events blending sports and humor.
Recent Work
Ferrell starred in Apple TV+'s Spirited, Netflix's Eurovision Song Contest, and produced the documentary Welcome to Wrexham's companion series Hollywood Hooligans. He cameoed in 2023's Barbie as Mattel's CEO.
Upcoming Projects
In 2026 he is headlining the comedy DadBod, lending his voice to DreamWorks' animated film Planet Plunk, producing the Hulu series Goal Diggers about women's soccer, and touring a live Ron Burgundy podcast show.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Elf | Buddy | Holiday classic |
| 2004 | Anchorman | Ron Burgundy | Cult comedy |
| 2006 | Talladega Nights | Ricky Bobby | NASCAR spoof |
| 2008 | Step Brothers | Brennan Huff | Fan favorite |
| 2010 | The Other Guys | Allen Gamble | Action comedy |
| 2015 | The Big Short (producer) | Producer | Best Picture nominee |
| 2020 | Eurovision Song Contest | Lars Erickssong | Netflix hit |
| 2022 | Spirited | Present | Apple TV+ musical |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | ESPY Awards | Best Sports Movie | Talladega Nights | Won |
| 2019 | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Variety Sketch Series (producer) | Saturday Night Live | Won |
| 2016 | Producers Guild Awards | Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures | The Big Short | Won |
| 2022 | Critics Choice Awards | Best Actor in a Movie Made for Television | The Shrink Next Door | Nominated |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$170 million (2026)
Ferrell earns from acting salaries, producing fees via Gloria Sanchez Productions, LAFC equity, brand endorsements (Hyundai, Old Milwaukee), and podcast/streaming deals.
Personal Life
He lives in Los Angeles with Viveca Paulin and their children, balancing acting with soccer ownership duties. Ferrell runs charity marathons and frequently surprises LAFC fans with halftime antics.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
Ferrell supports Cancer for College scholarships, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and the Environmental Media Association. He donates to soccer access programs and frequently auctions memorabilia for charity.
Social Media Presence
Ferrell rarely uses personal accounts; the Ron Burgundy Podcast feeds and LAFC channels share his comedic messages and event announcements.
Lesser-Known Facts
- He once streaked USC's campus as a fraternity prank, inspiring gags in Old School.
- Ferrell studied abroad in the UK, sparking his love of soccer.
- He ad-libbed many of Ron Burgundy's iconic lines.
- Ferrell ran a 3:56 marathon at Boston 2003 for charity.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Ferrell is filming DadBod in Atlanta, developing Goal Diggers with the NWSL, and planning a 2026 Ron Burgundy live tour benefiting Cancer for College. He will also appear in LAFC's content series Beyond the Pitch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Will Ferrell?
Will Ferrell is an American actor, comedian, and producer known for Saturday Night Live, Anchorman, Elf, and producing hits like Succession.
What is Will Ferrell most famous for?
He is most famous for portraying Ron Burgundy in Anchorman and Buddy in Elf, as well as his absurdist SNL characters.
Is Will Ferrell active on social media?
Ferrell keeps a minimal social media presence; most updates come through project-specific accounts and his podcast feeds.