Will Ferrell Honored With Hollywood Star, Calls His Work-Family Balance His Greatest Success
HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — Will Ferrell has starred in some of the funniest movies of the last 15 years and his place in Hollywood now is being solidified - physically - on the Walk of Fame.
The actor, comedian and writer was honored Tuesday with a star in front of the Hollywood Wax Museum.
Ferrell's "Talladega Nights" and "Step Brothers" co-star John C. Reilly read a poem he wrote for the occasion and his "Saturday Night Live" castmate Molly Shannon said a few words about the man who can make just about anyone laugh.
L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti and comedian Kevin Hart, his co-star in his latest comedy "Get Hard," also turned out for the occasion.
His TV and film roles have become audience favorites and his best lines have worked their way into pop culture. Who could forget his turn as TV journalist Ron Burgundy in "Anchorman" and some of his gut-busting "SNL" characters - more cowbell, anyone? He also has a gift at celebrity impersonations, most notably his portrayal of Alex Trebek, President George W. Bush, Janet Reno and James Lipton.
Ferrell grew up in Irvine, attended USC to become a sportscaster before taking up improv comedy. He was hired by "SNL" after he was spotted performing with the venerable improv team "The Groundlings," setting off his rise to stardom.
He left "SNL" in 2002 to appear in "Old School" and "Elf," the first of many successful comedies.
When asked what means the most to him in his career, Ferrell told CBS2/KCAL9's Suzanne Marques: "The thing that means the most is - it's nice to have success, of course - to still maintain a family life through the whole thing. We've really been able to strike a balance with how intense the movie work can be. But then, my wife and I are a real partnership when it comes to raising our kids, and that's the thing I'm most proud of."
Ferrell married Viveca Paulin in 2000 and they have three sons: 11-year-old Magnus, 8-year-old Mattias and 5-year-old Axel.