Will Ferrell is a legendary American comedian, actor, writer, and producer, best known for his work on Saturday Night Live (SNL) and hit comedy films like Anchorman, Step Brothers, Elf, and Talladega Nights. With a career spanning over three decades, Ferrell has established himself as one of the most successful and beloved comedic actors of all time.
Aside from acting, Ferrell is a successful producer, having worked on Succession, Dead to Me, and Funny or Die. He has also won multiple Emmy Awards and received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

In this article, we will explore Will Ferrell’s net worth, age, height, career, movies, family, wife, children, and more.
Will Ferrell Short Details
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | John William Ferrell |
Stage Name | Will Ferrell |
Profession | Actor, Comedian, Producer, Writer |
Hometown | Irvine, California, U.S. |
Nationality | American |
Date of Birth | July 16, 1967 |
Age (as of 2025) | 57 years old |
Height | 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm) |
Weight | 198 lbs (90 kg) |
Education | University of Southern California (B.A.) |
Years Active | 1994–present |
Genres | Comedy, Satire, Sketch, Parody |
Marital Status | Married |
Spouse | Viveca Paulin (m. 2000) |
Children | 3 Sons |
Net Worth (2025) | $180 Million (Estimated) |
Early Life and Education
Will Ferrell was born on July 16, 1967, in Irvine, California. His mother, Betty Kay, was a teacher, and his father, Roy Lee Ferrell Jr., was a musician for The Righteous Brothers.
Ferrell attended University High School in Irvine, where he was known for his pranks, humor, and love for sports. He later enrolled at the University of Southern California (USC), where he studied Sports Information.
Despite considering a career in sports broadcasting, Ferrell realized his passion for comedy and acting. Encouraged by his mother, he moved to Los Angeles in 1991 and joined The Groundlings, an improv and sketch comedy troupe.
Will Ferrell’s Career Journey
Breakthrough on Saturday Night Live (1995–2002)
- Joined SNL in 1995 and became one of its most beloved cast members.
- Famous for his impersonations of George W. Bush, Alex Trebek, and Harry Caray.
- Created iconic SNL characters like Craig the Cheerleader and Gene Frenkle (“More Cowbell”).
- Left SNL in 2002 to pursue a film career but has returned as a guest host multiple times.
Hollywood Film Stardom (2003–2010)
Will Ferrell became a major Hollywood star with a series of hit comedies, including:
- Old School (2003) – Played “Frank the Tank,” one of his first breakout film roles.
- Elf (2003) – Played Buddy the Elf in one of the most beloved Christmas movies ever.
- Anchorman (2004) – Starred as Ron Burgundy, one of his most famous roles.
- Talladega Nights (2006) – Played NASCAR driver Ricky Bobby in this box office hit.
- Step Brothers (2008) – One of his most famous comedy films with John C. Reilly.
- The Other Guys (2010) – Partnered with Mark Wahlberg in a buddy cop comedy.
Producer, Dramatic Roles & Continued Success (2011–2025)
- Produced and starred in hit comedies like Anchorman 2 (2013), Daddy’s Home (2015), Eurovision (2020), and Barbie (2023).
- Took on dramatic roles in Stranger than Fiction (2006) and Everything Must Go (2010).
- Co-founded Funny or Die (2007), a viral comedy website with Adam McKay.
- Became an executive producer for hit shows like Succession (2018–2023) and Dead to Me (2019–2022).
Recent Films & Projects (2023–2025)
- Barbie (2023) – Played the CEO of Mattel in the highest-grossing film of 2023.
- Despicable Me 4 (2024) – Voiced a new character in the blockbuster animated franchise.
- Will & Harper (2024) – A Netflix documentary about his friendship with Harper Steele, a trans woman.
- You’re Cordially Invited (2025) – A comedy with Reese Witherspoon on Amazon Prime Video.
Will Ferrell’s Net Worth and Income Sources (2025)
As of 2025, Will Ferrell’s estimated net worth is $180 million.
Income Source | Earnings |
---|---|
Net Worth (2025) | $180 Million |
Movie Salaries | $15-20 Million per film |
TV & Producing | Succession, Dead to Me, Drunk History |
Funny or Die | Co-Founder of Comedy Website |
Brand Endorsements | Commercials, Voice Acting |
Stand-Up & Live Shows | Comedy Tours, Broadway Shows |
Ferrell is one of the highest-paid comedic actors, consistently earning $15-20 million per film.
Will Ferrell’s Family and Personal Life
Family Member | Details |
---|---|
Father | Roy Lee Ferrell Jr. (Musician) |
Mother | Betty Kay Ferrell (Teacher) |
Brother | Patrick Ferrell |
Wife | Viveca Paulin (Married in 2000) |
Children | 3 Sons (Born in 2004, 2006, 2010) |
Will Ferrell has been happily married to Swedish actress Viveca Paulin since 2000. The couple has three sons and splits their time between New York City and Orange County, California.
Lesser-Known Facts About Will Ferrell
- He was once a bank teller but was terrible at it, losing hundreds of dollars daily.
- He ran a marathon in under 4 hours and has participated in multiple races.
- He owns part of the LAFC soccer team in Major League Soccer.
- He starred in a Spanish-language film (Casa de Mi Padre, 2012) despite not speaking fluent Spanish.
- He has a degree in Sports Broadcasting from USC but never used it professionally.
- He loves pranks and once streaked across the USC campus as a college joke.
- He turned down $29 million for an Elf sequel because he didn’t want to ruin the original.
- He was once named the “Worst Celebrity Autographer” because he enjoys pranking fans instead of signing.
- He has played for 10 different MLB teams in a single day as a charity event.
- He often donates millions to cancer charities and scholarships.
Conclusion
Will Ferrell remains one of the most successful and beloved comedic actors of all time. From SNL to Hollywood blockbusters, his unique style, improvisational skills, and comedy genius have kept audiences entertained for decades.
With a $180 million net worth, a successful production career, and a loving family, Ferrell is more than just a comedian—he is a cultural icon.
His future in film, TV, and comedy remains bright, proving that Will Ferrell’s legacy in entertainment is far from over.
NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is for informational purposes only.