Will Ferrell | Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Hello everyone. Welcome to another. episode of Good Hangs. So excited about. our guest today. It is the one, the. only, Will Ferrell. A comedic giant on the Mount Rushmore of. comedy. The captain, oh captain, my. captain, Will Ferrell. And we are going. to get into so many things today. We're. going to talk about. SNL and all the great movies he was in. We're going to talk about how important. makeup is in building a character. We're. going to talk about the mutual flop that.

we made together and how fun it was. We're going to talk about Swedish. stereotypes and how some of them are. true. We're going to talk about his new. show, The Hawk, coming out this week on. Netflix. Before we do that, we are going. to talk to somebody who is also in The. Hawk with him and also knows him from. SNL and who is a comedy legend and that. is Chris Parnell. Chris, who you can. also catch in Stop That Train, a movie. that's out. We're going to check in with. Chris. Chris is going to speak well. behind Will's back. Give me a question. ask. You know how this works. Okay,

Parns, are you there? This episode is presented by Allstate. Checking Allstate first could save you. hundreds on car insurance. Not checking. how long that recipe takes before you. start cooking? Well, that's how you. learn that simmer for 4 hours is buried. halfway down the page. Yeah, checking. first is a good idea. So, check Allstate. first for an auto quote. It could save. you hundreds. You're in good hands with.

Allstate. Potential savings vary, subject to terms, conditions, and. availability. Allstate North American. Insurance Company and affiliates, Northbrook, Illinois. >> [music]. [music]. >> Parns? >> Hey Amy, how are you? >> Hi! >> Hi, I haven't seen you in so long. >> I know. I was just trying to think about. the last time and it must have been at. the 50th, but even then I feel like we.

didn't get some. good enough hang time there. >> No, no. I I saw Tina and waved at her, but that was kind of like the extent of. it, too. That was the case for. >> Well, >> a lot of people. >> Tina has that restraining order against. you, so you're not allowed to get close. to her. >> Yeah, I mean, I I felt like she would. have let me if I had made an effort, but. yeah, no. >> not get into this again. >> I I I need to talk about it, okay? >> [laughter]. >> Thanks for doing this. I'm I'm talking. to Will today, and I feel like.

I don't think enough people know how. long you and Will have been friends. >> We met at the Groundlings, um gosh, uh. '96, but it really we really didn't connect. um until I started on SNL, and then we. shared an office, he and I and Jerry. Collins. >> Yeah. >> Um had an office, the gentleman's. quarters. >> That's right. That was the name of the. office. Um So, you did not perform together at. the Groundlings? Like you were in. different time periods there? >> Yeah, he was he was a he was ahead of.

me, and I saw him perform, uh and I. think he actually saw me perform in one. of my shows, but no, he was. he was a couple of years ahead of me, I. think, um. and then, you know, got onto SNL, I. think, 3 years before I got on, I think. >> What was it like to share an office. together? What do you remember of those. times in the late '90s being at the. show? >> It was just so cool. It was so fun. You. know, and after read-throughs on. Wednesday, we'd go back and. we'd all have a little scotch. Um we.

kept a bottle in the office, and uh. that was a that was a fun ritual. And. sometimes we would kind of dress up. um a little bit in similar outfits. >> [laughter]. >> But it was a it was a great such a great. welcome to the show. Um and Will, you know, obviously in so. many ways is so impressive, but I I. remember feeling, you know, insecure about. being on the show and trying to get. material on and. I I remember asking us I was looking for.

for comfort. assurance and I said, "Do you when you. first started, you know, did it take you. a while to to get rolling and get up to. speed?" He's like, "No, I just started. right away.". And I was like and I. I was like, "Okay, all right, well, that's that's cold comfort for me, but I. knew it was I knew it was true cuz I'd. seen his first show, you know. >> I mean, SNL was like the perfect job for. Will. He's really built for that show. cuz he had the constitution. So much of. it is.

handling. the big feelings that come along with. trying to get stuff on and and just kind. of competing with your friends in a. weird way, but then also collaborating. with them and all that stuff and he just. seemed to not let that get in his head. >> It's true. I know. He also he just, you. know, has always come across as pretty. fearless to me and uh. just so confident, but you know, never. arrogant about it, you know, just like. this is this is who I am. I got it. I'm. confident, you know, I can do this. >> Yeah. What film and television have you.

guys done outside of SNL together? >> Um well, Anchorman was the main thing. Um I think The Hawk this this upcoming. series. >> Who do you play in that show, Parns? >> I'm on the PGA tour board. I'm a PGA. tour board member. and I'm kind of. I don't care for Will's character. I. don't care for The Hawk. >> Excellent. >> Um I I have quite a bit of animosity. >> [laughter]. >> towards. Will's character. >> Is your character the kind of guy that's.

that that's like upset at how Hawk. doesn't take the sport seriously? >> Well, that's part of it for sure. That. is part of it, but it also has to do. without giving anything away, it has to. do with personal matter. that happened between us. uh, many years ago. >> Great. >> And it sort of comes back to the surface. again and yeah, so we've I've got a. personal grudge against him. And I'm. also just really an uptight. kind of, [laughter] you know. Which just comes so naturally to me, you.

know. >> [laughter]. >> Before we go, I I just, you know, we do. this to kind of talk well behind. people's backs. And I think everybody knows that Will is. like a uniquely confident performer and. obviously kind of like for many on the. Mount Rushmore of comedy, um, frankly. But, um, what what what what is so great. about him as a person cuz I find him to. be a really wonderful person as well. What would you say? >> He's a good laugher, you know, I think. that says a lot about a person, too.

When when you can make people laugh as. well as he does, but also be willing and. free to laugh at other people really. openly. And yeah, I just think he's he's. a he's a sweet guy. I just think he's a. sweet guy by nature. >> Yeah. >> You know. >> Is there a question, um, you have for me. today to ask him anything you're. thinking of? >> Oh, look at Parns, he's so prepared. >> I. >> Always. >> Will has been for 4 hours thinking about. this since last [laughter] night. Um, I wrote a list of 50 questions and I.

narrowed it down to 25. and then to 10 and then final five. Um, I guess one question would be, um, who were were your comedy idols, your. heroes growing up? Who who did you look. up to comedy-wise? >> Mhm. >> Um, that would be one and then the other. one might be have you always been so. confident? >> Yeah, I I think that's a good one. I It. feels like if stuff is going down, you. would kind of turn to Will. Like, "What. are we going to do?".

>> Right. Right. No. >> Well, the last thing I'll say, Parns, is. I'll never forget. I've had so many. moments with you like where I've been. next to you where fun and weird things. have happened and. a lot of people don't know that. Parns used to do a great sketch. Probably not Probably. a a sketch that probably wouldn't be. able to happen today. Many like many things. >> Oh well, it was a very gentle nice guy. called Merv the Perv. And he was. he I I loved him.

And but Merv would just kind of show up. to parties. How would you describe Merv? >> Well, you know what the name came from. Will actually cuz I was kind of doing a. version of Merv at a some some party. He's like, "Oh, Merv the Perv.". And I was like coming on to him or being. something weird and [laughter]. and that's where the title came That's. where the name came from. >> would just come up to ladies and you. know, just gently ask them if they'd. like to party in his pants. And he'd. have rip-away tear-away pants.

Like a nice perv. Well, I know Parns. that Will's going to be so happy that we. talked. >> I'm so happy to get to contribute a. little bit. So, yeah. Thanks for asking. >> Of course. It's great to see you. Congrats on the new show and great to. see you and. and hope you're doing great and. and I hope I see you soon. Bye. >> Okay, take care. >> This episode is brought to you by. Visible. Folks, it's officially summer. Whether you're planning summer travels. or staying home to watch all the action. in the villa, you need a wireless. network that keeps you connected and you.

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glow on. Ulta Beauty on Uber Eats. Terms. apply, see app for details. >> Hi. >> Hi. >> [laughter]. >> How I. >> very excited about you coming today. >> so excited to be here, to come here. >> How are you? >> But wait, I'm trying to remember. >> Is today a big press day for you? Like. do you have to go do a bunch of things. now? >> We're We rolled this into We're going up. to Connecticut tomorrow. >> Nice. ESPN? >> No. >> What's up there? >> Travelers Insurance golf tournament.

Don't [laughter] you know? Amy, come on. >> Well, we are going to talk about your. new show, The Hawk, in which you play a. golfer. >> and then we've been We've been grabbing. stuff for Lonnie's Instagram in. character. So Lonnie. Lonnie walks around a lot and talks to. people. >> Well, I was wondering if I was going to. be. >> No. >> interviewing Lonnie today. >> laugh too much. [laughter]. >> But you love to be in character. >> but then sometimes as you as you know.

>> Sure. >> with our comedy lives, you sometimes. think of a really good idea, and then. you just makes you tired. >> But I got to say, of all the idea of all. the people that have to do ideas, you. are probably and still remain one of the. least tired. >> [laughter]. >> I'm hanging in there. >> You are the least tired. >> Yeah. >> Because you love to work. You love You're Well, you have worked. really hard since I've known you. >> Yes. I have. >> You have. >> But some of it. is smoke and mirrors.

>> Sure. But like you're also out there. plugging and you you get a kind of a. pleasure. We've talked about this about. doing kind of stupid stuff to promote. like you don't mind that. You kind of. like it. Kind of relaxes you. >> You like to be embarrassed. >> than. And I always remember what you said. You. were like what we do is embarrassing. >> Yes. >> [laughter]. >> But you don't seem ever seem. embarrassed. >> Remember saying that? You're like comedy. is embarrassing. >> Well, I think I I hopefully quoted.

Ted Danson cuz that was his quote. >> Okay. >> gave him that pro- those props. >> you said I remember you said. before I'm about to say something. and this is my quote and my quote only. And I remember thinking, "Okay, what's. the big deal?". >> [laughter]. >> But I want you to know when you hear it, remember I came up with it. I was like, "Fine. Tell me what it is.". Comedy is embarrassing. What we do is. embarrassing. I [laughter] was like I was like, "Okay, great.". >> It's kind of interesting. >> Yep.

>> Yep. But Ted Danson. He said it in terms of acting cuz we. were him and I were in a we're doing a. scene one time and somebody was acting. and he in a such a sweet way. He's such. a nice guy. He said, "Oh god, acting is. embarrassing." And I said, "It is." But. you you have a captain energy that I. love. And you know, for me when I. started SNL like you were the captain I. watched and you still are in many ways. I watch how you navigate your life and. this work and everything. >> Mhm.

>> And you have a captain energy. I mean, I. think some of it might just be because. you're tall. >> I think a lot of it is. >> [laughter]. >> You're just like tallest guy in the. room. >> Yeah, and they're like, "What are you. going to do, Will?". >> [laughter]. >> Why is everyone looking at me? Don't. look at me. >> Yeah, and I also think that you know, being a good captain like I feel like. you have this thing where you know, I've. worked with you I've got to work with. you a lot, where I watch you kind of be. the number one on the set, and you.

you're. always professional, always working. hard, but you're not taking things too. seriously or yourself too seriously, ever. >> No. No. I look back. uh and that was not intentional. >> Yeah. >> But I rem- I just remember that what was. intentional was reminding everyone, and. I'm referring to working on Saturday. Night Live in that environment, reminding everyone that this is supposed. to be fun. >> Yeah. Totally. [laughter]. That we've won the jackpot.

>> We've won the jackpot. It's a comedy. show. >> That's right. >> Let's have fun while we do it. >> That's right. >> And let's make each other laugh. >> Yes. >> And let's have moments where like. no one's ever going to see. It's just. for us. >> Yes. It makes everybody feel so relaxed. And that was the thing that I watched. when I. >> But you always seemed 100% relaxed. >> really did I really did I've told you. this, but I really did watch, you know, in our our year overlapped we only had.

one year together on the show, which is. so weird, isn't. >> It's so weird. >> Um. uh but. >> And was it the. Was it. >> It was 2001. >> One. >> A great year for comedy. >> Great year. >> [laughter]. >> People were ready to laugh. A great time. to start a job in comedy. >> That's right. >> And it was like kind of coming into kind. of coming into a school and seeing the. cool senior and being like, oh, that. senior is cool not only cuz they're. talented, but they know how to like make.

people feel relaxed, keep people like. doing bits, like reminding everybody. that this is like life is a dream and. like what are we doing? Like all that. stuff. Like it was it was really. important. So okay, I'm going to go back. in time. >> Okay. >> Get ready. >> [laughter]. >> So grab something just in case you. faint. Um. >> A little fake hamburger. >> You Are you a Are you like You were like. a popular kid. Best personality you got.

>> Uh I did. >> Congrats. >> Yes, I got best personality. >> I mean, that could be a real curse. >> to. >> It can be a curse. >> did not lead to dating prowess. >> Okay, got it. >> or. >> That's good. >> girlfriends or anything like that. >> Okay, girls were like, "Will. >> Yeah, oh that was so funny. But I don't like you.". >> They were like, "Oh my god, Will is so. funny.". >> so funny. >> to him all day about my boyfriend. >> What? >> What a funny joke.

>> [laughter]. >> No. >> Okay, that makes me feel better. So you. were God is fair, so you were like cra-. crushing it on the personality, not on. the ladies. >> Nope. >> What were sports did you play in high. school? >> You name it, I played it. What was your best sport? What. were you best at? >> Well, I was captain of the basketball. team. >> Dang. Captain. >> averaged 1.2 points a game. >> [snorts and laughter]. >> Once again, not a joke. >> Okay, so you don't have a good shot or. >> No, I just I learned. >> [laughter].

>> I had a pretty good shot, but I learned. I stayed in the game longer by playing. defense, >> [laughter]. >> rebounding, >> Yeah. >> setting screen, doing all the things. that no one else wants to do. >> Fundamentals. >> Fundamentals. [laughter]. Team player. >> Very sexy. >> Captain. >> Very sexy. >> fundamentals, yes. Yeah. >> Uh. >> Right, captain. >> was You know, I played baseball. I was I. was. >> What ball did you play for how long? >> kicker on the football team. Cuz I. played a lot of soccer, so. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah. >> Uh but I loved I loved team sports.

>> Yeah, and you you know, your dad was. working with the Righteous Brothers. >> Mhm. >> And I. The best thing about SNL is I get to. know you get to know everybody's. parents. I've met. >> Right. Right. >> your parents so so many times. They're. so lovely. >> Yeah. >> And. but you like kind of I read somewhere. that like you were like I don't really. know about this this like idea of show. business cuz it's just very. >> very scary. >> Scary. What. Why did it seem scary at the time? >> Because I I just saw the.

there was no stability in the life of a. musician. >> Yeah. >> And I would watch how. um. and I would sit and watch my dad play. going this is the most talented he was. like. like. my hero like so. funny and. >> Mhm. >> and great piano player and like who. could be better than that? >> Mhm. >> And. so I never understood when he would have. a nightclub gig that would he he'd come. home and be like, well, I'm not going to.

be playing there. I'm like, oh, what. He's like, nothing. They just decided. going to make a change. So, I've got to. go out and I've got to look for the next. gig. And it was very impressionable to. me that that was oh, that was rough. So, I I I I was. I was. I was committed to having what I thought. in my little kid brain was a real job. >> Which do you remember what you thought. it was going to be? >> But this is what I knew. These are the. elements. You carry a briefcase. >> Absolutely.

>> [laughter]. >> You carry a briefcase. >> Of course. >> You go into a building. >> Yes, it has to be inside a building. >> You go into building and you have either. a. a cubicle. >> Yeah. >> or you have an office. >> Yeah. >> And um and you go. >> Yeah. >> You go for a period of time. >> Yep. >> You talk to people. Then you walk home. with your briefcase. I didn't have a car. >> in in the city. >> in my little kid [laughter] brain. >> have Do you remember there used to be. like punch cards? That was a big like I. used to play secretary when I was a kid.

>> Clock in, clock out. >> Clock in and I used to go down to my. dad's. >> I I didn't I think I was still I think I. was executive level. >> [laughter]. >> In my little kid brain, yeah. >> You opened up a leather binder of some. sort, signed something. >> Yeah. >> So, yeah. So, so that was that was the. that was the game plan even though I. don't know what that meant. >> So, how do you then jump from like I'm. going to have a safe job with a. briefcase? Cuz you're you are you're. playing sports, you're tall, you're a. white straight guy. Like those guys go. into briefcase jobs.

>> jobs, yeah. >> Then you're going to Then how do you get. to the Groundlings? How do you decide to. take classes? What do you think it was? >> death by a thousand cuts. I mean, it was. literally just a little bit here, a. little bit cuz I wasn't. >> [gasps]. >> I didn't entertain any sort of. performance. uh. >> No plays in high school? >> in high school. And yet I would I. remember remember our high school. had a really good drama department. Yeah. And I went with friends to go. watch the show they were doing and I.

forget what it was. But but I remember watching going, "This. is good and these kids are good and that. would be fun." But. >> Any comedy sneak out at all cuz I think. sometimes it just like squirts out and. you can't help it. Like did you get up. in front of the class? Were you funny? >> I did um. what the the kind of thing that kind of. opened. began the crack in the door. >> Open the comedy briefcase. >> open the comedy briefcase.

>> [laughter]. >> And you know what's inside of the comedy. one of those uh snakes that pops out at. you. >> [laughter]. >> Right? >> Yeah. Hilarious. >> Yes. Hilarious. Um. were. uh assemblies, school assemblies. >> Yes. >> And uh a good buddy of mine, Bart, and I. would write Basically, when I look back, they were sketches. >> Yeah. >> And we wrote uh these performance pieces. for the assemblies. >> Oh, yeah.

>> And [clears throat] we would we would. imitate the teachers. We would do. We performed as the Schmenge Brothers. from SCTV. No other kids knew who the Schmengies. were. But thought. Oh, I love when you guys do the Schmiga. Schmiga Doogles. [laughter]. How'd you make that up? I'm like, "No, we're copying it from SCTV.". That was my first kind of and we were. also writing these morning. announcements. To sell senior class t-shirts. That was.

our big fundraiser. So these were like little radio skits. And. um. And the defining moment for me when I. look back was sitting at home. I knew we. had. We'd do it like every other Tuesday or. something. And one was due the next day and I'm I. have a mountain of homework and I'm. sitting there. I spent 3 hours. crafting this little dumb paragraph.

And I It was 11:00 and I'd started at. 8:00 and it felt like. it felt like 10 minutes. And even then as like a senior in high. school I thought, "Hold on Hold on to. this memory. Remember what this feels. like. This does not feel like work.". >> Did you have like job like fun dumb jobs. that you were like. doing while you were trying to figure. out you were at USC, right? Like Were. you. >> I was uh.

I parked cars. I worked one day at Disneyland. >> [laughter]. >> Did you get fired? >> No. >> Quietly not asked back? >> I [laughter]. No. No. I had I was too afraid. I had my. friend John call and quit on my behalf. >> [laughter]. >> Which was really funny cuz. >> Pretend to be you or. >> Yeah. I was I was For For some reason I. was so embarrassed to call. I went. So I got a job and you You paid for the.

orientation day. >> Oh, yeah. >> Sure. >> To work at Disneyland. And I thought. that I was going to be assigned. you know, to be one of the really fun. jobs like the Jungle Cruise operator or. And I I find out, "Oh, no, those guys. work there for 8 years before they get. So, they assign me uh one of the front. uh. kiosk for selling tickets. >> Yeah. >> At the same time I had a rival offer. >> [laughter]. >> to work at a friend's surf shop.

>> Oh. >> A friend who was managing a surf shop. right down at Newport Beach. Exactly. same pay. >> Yeah. >> $5.50 an hour. >> Yeah. >> But I was too embarrassed to call up. Disney Disneyland. So, my friend John. called on my behalf. and said, uh I will I will be. quitting after 1 day. And that uh And they asked, "Okay, reason for leaving?" And he said, I He. said, "I have a tryout with the Dallas. Cowboys.". >> [laughter]. >> And they went, "Thank you very much.". So, somewhere there's a file at Disney.

corporate that says, "Will Ferrell. worked for 1 day. Reason for leaving, tryout with the. Dallas Cowboys football team.". >> [laughter]. >> And they probably were like they. probably thought for a second they. remembered you and they were like, "Huh, what position?" And someone was like, "He's a kicker." And they were like, "Oh, that makes sense. Maybe a kicker.". >> [laughter]. >> Did he make the Cowboys? You want to hear an interesting story? We just had someone call and cancel. They're not going to work. They're going. to try [laughter] out for the Dallas. Cowboys. How good is that? Anyway, I. wish them the best.

>> Waiter ever? >> No. >> Never waiter. >> I knew I would. >> I knew. [laughter]. >> Um when you started Groundlings, what. year was that? Do you remember what year. it was? >> That was right after um. I'd graduated from USC. And I. >> What was your degree? >> In sports information. So, that was the. trying to bridge the gap between. real job and entertainment. >> Yeah. >> So, as I'm. as I'm coming kind of in college, like. you said, it's it's oozing out of me in. places. And I still wasn't like.

I still didn't join a college improv. team. I still didn't. >> audition for anything. It was more uh it. was more. kind of what we're talking about. getting out, doing bits, >> Yeah. >> trying to make my friends laugh, pretending to be other people that. I wasn't in order to make So, I would. show up to a friend's class as um. I found like some overalls.

>> Mhm. >> and I would interrupt this friend's. class. as a maintenance worker. >> [laughter]. >> and. pretend to fix things or just come up. come in. with like a lit cigarette out of my. mouth and like a puke bucket. and the teacher be like, "Can I help. you?". And I'd [laughter] look at him. and I'd just go, "No one threw up in. here.". And he would say, "No.". I'm sorry. They called me from physical plant and. they said.

"This is This is classroom B302, right?". Yeah. I'm sorry about that, but like. blowing smoke in his classroom. but [laughter] like. My heart is pounding in my chest, but. it's finding it I'm it's thrilling and. I'm only making three people laugh. >> That to me is like. free solo of comedy. It's like rock. climbing where you're like doing it just. kind of for yourself. No one's watching. It's pretty It feels quite dangerous cuz.

everyone's like, "What are you doing in. here?". >> And I would have [laughter] I would have. I worked my work study job was at the. humanities audio-visual department. >> Mhm. >> So, occasionally I may have to push an. over overhead projector across campus. And I would tell my buddy like, "Hey, when are you Are you guys all going to. sit in the commons area? I may. I may be pushing an overhead projector. >> [laughter]. >> at around 12:30. He's like, "Okay, good." And he my friend Emo became my.

shill. >> Mhm. >> And I would. time it. I'd do a circuitous route. nowhere near where I needed to go. And I. would just pull my just enough to have. my butt crack show and just slowly push. and my friend Emo would be like, "Look. at that guy. What an idiot.". And people would be like [laughter] they. would gang on. Like he would he would. get the crowd to go, "Yeah.". >> [laughter]. >> And and people who didn't know me would. would laugh in a mean way. >> Yeah. >> Once again, I found it thrilling.

>> Thrilling. >> That these people had no idea that it. was all. it was all actually jokes on them. >> It makes sense to me because jokes on. them. >> Jokes [laughter] on them. >> You're the idiot. >> Oh, I walked around campus with my pants. down. I knew my pants were down. >> [laughter]. >> I knew it. >> I knew it. I pulled them down myself. >> [gasps]. >> But it but it it makes more sense. because people when people what people. love about you, Will, is it does feel. like you're trying to make your friends. laugh. Like that's really what it feels. like. It feels like and they feel.

parasocially like your friends. Like. they're like, "Will is my friend. >> [laughter]. >> and he makes me laugh." Like I've been. with you when people come up to you and. people you invoke this like. feeling of people where they're like. it's almost like, "Will, I knew I was. going to see you. You're my friend." You. know, they people feel really connected. [laughter]. and. >> And then they're. >> let down when I'm not doing the bits. >> Well, I mean, there's nothing but a let. down. Oh, yeah. >> You've experienced many of. >> are like, "Oh, wow, you're quiet. You're.

not telling jokes.". >> Oh. What am I going to do with that? >> Yeah. Like, "Oh, you are you are you sad. today?" It's like, "No, I'm just this is. my normal. I'm not screaming. My shirt. is on.". >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um when you got to Groundlings, who were. your peeps there? What was your class? Who were Who were Who was studying when. you were there? >> Who Let's see. Um. my direct peeps kind of coming up in the.

same at the same time through the school. were. uh. Kattan. >> Yeah. >> and Sherry. >> Mhm. >> and. uh. I believe a little overlap with Chris. Parnell. >> Mhm. >> Um. Uh oh, Jennifer Coolidge. >> Uh-huh. >> was kind of she. She was actually ahead of us, but and. did some shows with us as well. Uh. >> And and then. so many of you started at SNL around the.

same time or at the same time. You. Sherry came in together? >> Yeah. >> And. >> And then I'd known Molly. >> Right. >> from. uh. >> [laughter]. >> Molly sweetly. Uh I was just I saw it I was with Molly. yesterday. >> saw her. She got this Hollywood Walk of. Fame star. [clears throat]. >> And. of course Molly gave the greatest speech. of all time. >> Yeah. >> of just stream of consciousness, you.

know, but told the story of how. and I met Will. I was working at the. Melrose Baking Company. And Will I met I was with my my friend. Patricia brought Will in and said, "This. is Will." And you said, "Hi, and like. you can I get you?" And you said, "I. will have a scone.". >> [laughter]. >> Molly delivering that story it like. thunderous lap. >> Yes. >> Like Like that written down on a piece. of paper is not funny, but [laughter]. Molly delivering it.

>> I love what you said about her. What. What did you say about her and like how. her character felt like it was the. beginning of a new chapter for the show. >> uh I I just remember it was it was. this moment when she first did Mary. Katherine Gallagher. It was our fourth. show that we'd ever done. uh for that new cast of the '95-'96. season and. you know, very much finding our sea. legs, very much.

we're all pretty brand new. It was eight. new cast members and an entire new. writing staff. Um. And so. the audience is. very leery. and. and it was it was that first moment. she starts doing the character and I'm. at the beginning of the sketch, but I. have to run. This is during dress. rehearsal. I have to run to go. underneath the paint cans there, which. is a a section of. the [clears throat] studio where you're.

underneath the bleachers there. And I'm doing a quick change for the. next thing and she starts doing Mary. Katherine for the first time and I can. feel. the stands shake. The audience is. howling. and and screaming with laughter to the. point where. it almost it felt emotional. It felt. like. >> [sighs]. >> Wait. >> A somatic thing was happening like there. was a rumble in your stomach. >> 100% [laughter].

and I literally as I thought about. things to talk about. Molly in terms of knowing I thought, oh. that. she kind of saved the show in a way. It. was that first thing for this new group. where people were like. oh my god, that character is. very real and funny and an outsider and. dark. >> Yeah. Yes and. >> [clears throat]. >> super physical. >> And she throws herself into a stack of. metal folding chairs with no visible.

padding on her at all like. it was like punk rock version of Lucille. >> Yeah. And. for a woman. >> Yeah. >> you know, in comedy stru- like like. >> Yeah. >> like oh. busting through the door I think in a. way and I I just remember thinking. okay, they they like. I. and it just created this momentum from. that point on. >> Mhm. You know, if anything the show is. like so cyclical. We've learned that. like it's been said a million times like.

when somebody leaves the show it'll. never be the same. It's been on for 50. years. It's like this cast is better. than that cast or whatever. And I you. guys got bad review like the show was. like Saturday night dead. >> Yeah. >> Um do you remember any of the bad. reviews? >> one who got good reviews. >> yeah. Do you remember cuz. >> Cheri had a great first show. Cheri was. I mean Cheri was. amazing performer as well. Um. yeah, I I I was.

my first show I mean I got you know, it. was it once again I think it it's part. of another piece that informed the way I. approach all of this because. it was. there was like good news and bad news. >> [laughter]. >> You're one of the only cast members. mentioned by name, Will. >> [laughter]. >> Oh, that's pretty it's got to be good. Here's the bad news. Most annoying newcomer. Right out of the. gate from the first show. >> you you don't have to say their name but. do you remember the writer's name? >> No.

>> Okay, that's where you and I are. different. >> [laughter]. >> because I would like. >> No, I don't remember that but I remember. it was one of those. one of those entertainment magazines. that doesn't exist anymore. >> Yeah. >> It was like Entertainment Weekly but not. Entertain- Maybe it was Entertainment. Mag. Remember there used to be. >> Premiere or like something like. >> like that and they were like. >> They were coming for you. >> They were really not happy. And so. as we all know, we've all been hit with. these moments where you're like you're. you're thinking.

what do I Okay, do I just sit and wallow. in this? And I don't know what it is about my. DNA, but I just started cracking up. going, >> [snorts]. >> "You asked for it, buddy.". >> Yeah. >> Here. So then I just back to sports, I just. made it bull I literally taped it to my. wall. >> Yes. >> Most annoying newcomer. >> But this is what a captain does. >> I was I I And then the only thing I know. how to do is I'm like I I'm just going. to lean in it into it anymore even more. like if you think I'm annoying now, just.

wait. I'm going to push that overhead. projector across your face, you know. >> Right. >> And so it just kind of fired me up. >> Yes. >> But I there was no part of me that was. like, "What am I doing wrong? Oh, I. better change things up.". I don't have that move. >> People have very very strong opinions. about comedy. Same with music. They're very similar. which is like, "I love that song. I hate. that song. I love that singer. I hate. their voice." Like everyone feels really. um. like they own their their.

feelings about things. >> I'm just envisioning you [laughter]. really pouring over and circling. someone's name. >> There is a couple reviews. There I got. two reviews that I like I. I think like I whispered their names. into my pillow every night like Arya. Stark. Like I think about these two. people and I'm just like, "Someday we're. going to see each other again.". >> to be a writer for the. >> [laughter]. >> There used to be a writer for the LA. Times. Um Kay Farrell would remember her.

name. >> Okay, Kay's got it Kay's got it written. down. Wells mom. >> She had it so out for me. that. I. >> [laughter]. >> I saw. I opened up the LA Times to see a review. of 40-Year-Old Virgin. >> Sure. >> And I remember. on Apatow and. Carell talking about that premise and. we're all going, "Buddy, that is hilarious." He's like, "Yeah, I may I may. you know, try to see if I can get this. going." Anyway,

I. >> [laughter]. >> I see this I'm like, "Oh, I want to see. what they think of Steve. The first two paragraphs. are how this woman hates me. Hates There's no Yes, goes off on Will. Ferrell. Two solid paragraphs. Uh. >> Oh, delicious. >> there's no one worse than him. >> [laughter]. >> He is unfunny. There's no There's. nothing redeemable about anything he.

does. >> [laughter]. >> That was That's the top of the article. That's why when I. watched Steve Carell in 40-Year-Old I. was so pleasantly surprised. It's like, "What do I have to do WITH. >> YOU'RE NOT EVEN. >> I guess because he was in Anchorman or. >> Oh, sure. She was like She was like, "No, this is the kind of guy that I. laugh at, not this stupid idiot.". >> [laughter]. >> I It was like a hot It was like opening.

Like It was like being in Las Vegas and. you're in your air-conditioning room and. you open up to a blast furnace of 110°. heat. [laughter]. It's like, "That serves you. >> for going looking. >> for going Don't even read other people's. movie reviews cuz they'll get you.". >> [laughter]. >> I mean. >> But it wanted me to get. I don't I don't. I wanted to wear a T-shirt of her name. and just be photographed walking around. town. >> Yeah, I love that. That is the That is. the I think something that you and I. share, which is just like if there's a.

little bit of a tingle of like It must. be the challenger in us, but like some. kind of like where it's like. because it's kind of it's this thrilling. thing where you realize like I'm going. to survive this. I can't explain it. other than like the worst has happened. Somebody doesn't like me and somebody. and it's like going to be like I I know, there's something there's I there's a. mischievous quality about it that's fun. Yeah. >> Um. and. >> It's. >> and you don't internalize you just can't. internalize it. Like what are you going. to do? Like.

>> It's it's like the our most favorite. review of Step Brothers was Roger Ebert. who said this is the end of Western. civilization. >> [laughter]. >> And he went as far as to say do not buy. this on DVD when it comes out. Do not. support [laughter] movies like this. because it it will make other people. think they should make movies similar to. this. [laughter]. So please. It was a it was like a call. to action. >> Yeah. >> And. >> [laughter]. >> Incredible. Oh God, you and McKay.

>> McKay. That is so delicious. Only because we'd. gotten enough filled up on the love side. that we could handle. >> Yeah. >> the hate. >> Yeah. >> [applause]. >> When you speak about Molly saving the. show, I felt the same way about you in 2001. Like I felt like we were. I I was starting. >> Yeah. >> You know, we joked about it earlier, but. I was starting in a time when it was.

like New York was hurting, comedy was. over. People were like we can't joke. anymore. We can't do we can't do yeah. It was post your book. Like you had done. Bush. We couldn't do any jokes. You. know, poor Forte had to play Bush during. those years and it was like what are we. doing? >> Um. >> No one could kid about anything other. than maybe pop culture and then not. everyone was like not now. >> Right. >> We're too sad. And so. >> Understandable. >> I remember when you came out in. patriotic. >> [snorts]. >> underwear, Speedo? Speedo underwear.

>> dolphin shorts. Dolphin running shorts. >> Okay. Tight shorts. >> Pulled way up. >> And you had just. >> For air, not for dress. Dress I kept. them low. Live show. >> Don't peek at dress. >> Don't peek. >> Morgan likes to say, don't peek at. dress. So you you hiked them for air. >> for air. >> And I also remember that you had just. run cuz you're a runner. You had just run like a half marathon or. something. >> uh the the New York Marathon. >> Oh, okay. So you'd run the New York. Marathon. So you also were very chafed.

>> Yes. >> You were really chafed. >> that part. >> Yeah. And you were like, I'm very. chafed. [laughter]. >> Super chafed. >> And you did a patriot is he a guy who's. trying to be patriotic in his office his. office and same thing well, I remember. the audience laughing and being like. oh, we're going to be okay. Okay, comedy's going to be okay. This show's. going to survive. I'm going to still. have a job. >> about the chafing. >> You were chafed from a. >> from running. >> Okay, I want to talk about. >> [clears throat].

>> some. stuff that you've done. I'm so bad at. transitions. >> By the way, >> did you see how clunky that was? >> was rough. I was [laughter] like, thank. god that's. >> I said, okay, STOP. OKAY, STOP. >> YOU KNOW WHAT? I THINK THAT is. a great transition. It's super. [laughter] clear. >> I said, okay, stop. >> Okay, stop. >> Okay, I want to talk about something. else. >> I'll turn this page. >> to turn [laughter] my page? Should we turn my page? >> what I thought about? Amy, let me I'm going to help model this.

transition, too. >> Please. >> I was thinking about. your time and how. then you were you became such a star. yourself. But I'm not I'm not trying to. I'm not trying to kiss butt. >> [laughter]. >> This is a scientific analysis. >> Okay. >> But. then you and Tina go on to to do update. and to bring that like so far forward. and and but I was thinking, god, Amy had. to run around and do sketches and then.

do update. >> Yeah. And you know what? It felt it was. so um. >> But you and Tina. >> loose because I was always you know, like nothing worse than having one line. >> to yep. You didn't have to think about. up because you're like. >> Totally. I would just be Oh, here comes. this fun this is fun break. >> Right here in a world away. Wow, okay. >> And I wasn't as stressed about getting. sketches on because I knew I always knew. I had update. And so I felt like very, very like getting eventually to the. looseness that I wanted. Maya and I talk. about it like we we wanted like.

senioritis, that feeling of like half in. half out, like this is a dumb thing, this is a fun thing, but so hard to get. there. And then you go you leave SNL and then. Will. you have the biggest string of comedy. hits. Like hit [laughter] after hit, like Zoolander, like Elf, Old School, Anchorman, Step Brothers, Holiday Inn, it's like like. First of all, I can't even I should have. done the research. >> Yeah. >> Like how how many years did you do like. it seems like it that that was all done.

in like 10 or 15 years, a movie a year. at least. >> Right. >> So many hits. >> pauses in between. >> Sure. >> Yep. >> But just you are you are the for so many. people, especially millennials I would. say, and maybe some Gen X, you are the. face of their like five favorite comedy. movies. And you've been in some good. comedy movies, and we know that's hard. Movies are hard. Good movies are hard. Good comedies are hard.

Way harder than a drama, which is easy. >> Yeah, let's. >> Dramas are easy. I mean, what are you. going to do? >> [laughter]. >> I'm like you. >> at all three all five cameras. >> Like drama is so easy, like. >> one up here? >> Like you yell, they cry, like whatever. But. I'm I I want to ask you about the end. >> way, I I don't know what your question. is, and I don't know half the answer. >> [laughter]. >> I don't know. >> Yeah, it's such a such a run. >> Because. >> Such a run.

>> I leave the show. with. >> No job? >> No job. The only thing. >> Zoolander maybe? >> It already came out. >> Oh right, it had come out while you were. there. That's right. >> And if you recall, that came out during. >> [laughter]. >> Came out during 2001. >> 2001. >> Yeah, tough time for comedy. >> And And didn't find its audience till. much later. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Um. I had been in. uh that last year second I'd filmed No,

that last year. >> I was leaving cuz I was filming Old. School. >> right. You were going back and forth. >> So Old School, but Old School had been. held on to, which is not. usually a positive endorsement from the. studio. >> They're like They're like this is great, hold on. >> Oh, this is so good. Let's keep it on the back burner. It's too good. >> [laughter]. [gasps]. >> No, it went from like a November release. to like February of the next year.

>> Mhm. >> [laughter]. >> And the only thing that was to. big time development was Elf. >> I mean Elf is such a good. >> And then. >> Yeah. Well, talk Let's talk about Elf. for 1 second. >> Okay. >> It is the I mean, it is a lot of. people's comfort movie. It is definitely. their favorite Christmas movie. It's so. funny. It's It holds up so well. >> you. >> Directed by Jon Favreau, who was like a.

Chicago improv guy that you know, I came. up with in Um It's so What do you think. >> interesting cuz John really wanted to. make sure it had a timeless feel to it. And John really wanted to and was 100%. right. But I'm coming off of SNL. I'm no. I'm known Yes, there was like. the cheerleaders and sketches like that, but I'm also known for. a PG-13.

pushing R brand of humor. Uh. and. I'm sitting in my. trailer. in my elf tights. >> [laughter]. >> looking in the mirror. going. what have you done? >> [laughter]. >> I'm dressed as Buddy. And I'm in. This is. early movie deals. I'm in the double I'm. in the double banger. >> picture you really crowding this. trailer. >> the with the space heater that's still.

built into the wall. >> Mhm. >> And [clears throat] it's we shoot the. New York stuff first. So, I don't even. know if I know who this character is. yet. >> [laughter]. >> Just walking around in the. >> I'm walking around in yellow tights and. Oh my god. >> [laughter]. >> What? >> Yeah. >> This could be it. >> This could be it. >> This could be like, "What? That guy was so funny and then he made. this movie. where he played a giant elf. Oh, poor Oh. >> why That's why it's so embarrassing. It's like, it could be like he's a. genius, classic Christmas movie forever,

or. >> And so I just I just. I just remember but I remember going. this is either going to be a home run or. it's going to be a complete strikeout. >> Yeah. It's a very good example, too, of. what you do so well, which is like the. big and little of it all. Like you play. big, but you're little or you're like. you've got no power, but you're cockier. than you should be. Like playing around. with status, which you do in all your. movies. Like Anchorman is a perfect. example of that. Like one of many things. you made with McKay, which is just like. this.

deeply stupid, hilarious person who is. disconnected to the world. >> Right. >> but yet in charge. >> [laughter]. >> Who is why? >> really really mentally mentally. challenged. >> Really has a hard time with life. And just it just gets worse, not better. Never changes. And. and all you guys did was just go for all. of the funny and have the funniest. people in it like Steve was here we were. talking about him in that movie and how.

he was just. blown away by watching you work and. being around all you guys and like. and every single character in that movie. is Keckner and Rudd are so funny. >> Yeah. >> You love playing Ron like you you you. love doing him, right? What's fun about. him? >> will trot him well we did a podcast with. him which was so fun. Um. just because I Ron can say whatever he. wants. >> Yeah.

>> and he doesn't have to have the right. facts. >> [laughter]. >> He doesn't have to In fact I just did. Ron recently. uh down in San Diego. because Bill Curtis. >> Mhm. >> long time Chicago and I. narrates the movie. >> Yeah. >> Uh it was retiring from Wait Wait Don't. Tell Me. >> Yeah. >> And I had gotten a uh email just asking. would I send a video. >> Mhm. >> and. to congratulate Bill and and and he's so.

proud of his connection to that movie. and he still has a standee in his house. of Ron. >> [laughter]. >> And. and he's the sweetest guy and and I said. well hold on where when do you where are. you doing the show? He's like well we're. doing it live down in San Diego. I'm. like what if I come and surprise him and. so. >> I they were like would you actually? I'm. like yeah that I we owe him so much and. so we surprised the audience. >> Oh that's huge. >> It's also such a good name Ron Burgundy.

and and also great that his suit was. burgundy. >> Yes. >> You know. costumes are so fun. You love them. >> love a good costume. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah you do. >> Ron had other costumes too. >> had other suits. [laughter]. >> He didn't just have the one. He wasn't. that crazy. >> No. But when you think about Ron you think. about him in his burgundy suit. >> some delightful tans. >> I mean he was a he was ahead like a. fisherman turtleneck at the time. >> He had a baby blue. >> Yeah. He had a He had a gorgeous blue. suit, though. Bring out his eyes. He was. He was a very handsome man.

>> He was very handsome. >> was very handsome. Um. >> [laughter]. >> and um then you and I did a movie We did. two movies together. We did Blades of. Glory, >> Yes. >> which was so fun. And you had to learn. how to ice skate. >> I had to learn. >> Or did you know a little bit? I had to. learn. >> But you you didn't love it, >> [laughter]. >> if I recall. >> I talked about it with Greta Lee on this. pod a few weeks ago. >> love it. >> I didn't love it. Um [laughter]. I wasn't I I I I I think I saw it. You.

know, like you sit down at the piano and. you think you're going to be able to. play the piano. Like I thought I'd be. better at it. And I was like, I'm. not. But I remember us meeting the real, you know, performers and just being. like, we're never ever going to look like we. can do this. >> Exactly. >> And you look, of all your movies, you. look the tallest in Blades of Glory. >> [laughter]. >> You look so tall. Do you ice skate. still? >> No. >> No. >> I need to. >> Yeah. I'm too nervous now. >> I let it I let it I have the skates.

packed away somewhere. They were custom-made skates. >> Yeah. You insisted on it. >> my costume. >> You do? >> framed. >> You do? >> Yeah. But Viv. >> Will's wife. >> Yeah, sorry. It It's hanging in the garage. She won't. let [laughter] it come in the house. >> She's like, I don't want to I don't need. it. I don't need it in the house. >> [laughter]. >> I don't not like it, but it's going to. hang in the garage. >> Um and then we did The House together,

>> Yes. >> which was so fun to do with you. Was a. dream come true to make a movie with. you. Did not really resonate. >> resonate at all. But yet. I still argue that movie's funny. >> My kids often. tell me that that like they're like, "Mom, that was 7% on Rotten Tomatoes.". >> Oh, I didn't realize it was that. >> And I was like, "No way, 7%?". >> Have they seen. >> It's gone up. I just want you to know. I.

just checked today. >> 14? Did it double? >> 20%. >> [laughter]. >> Triple. WE DID IT. WE DID IT. >> BUT THAT WAS A really fun movie. >> premise and a fun movie. How did that. come on? >> I don't know, but I'm sorry. >> I know. I just. >> I flopped you. You spoke about Vivica, Vivica, your wife of now 25 years, probably. >> 25 going on 26. >> Damn. Such a formidable, cool, smart, interesting person. So a such a perfect.

match for you, Will. >> Oh, yeah. >> And Swedish. >> Swedish? >> And that's what we have in common. My. brother lives in Sweden. What are the. stereotypes of Swedish people that are. correct? >> I think the stereotype that Swedes. aren't funny is not true. >> Agree. >> They're very sly, dry sense of humor. >> Yes. [laughter]. >> Uh and as you know very well and your. brother knows, can be also be though. uh.

unintentionally direct. >> Yeah. Very direct. I think intentionally. direct. >> Intentionally. >> Yeah. >> But they don't but it's just um. it's just a matter of fact. No, I'm just. telling you. >> No, you you look you got fat. >> Yeah. You. >> No, you were skinny and now you're fat. >> Someone is very tired. You look tired. >> Well, she Well, I don't think he would. be do well because he's ugly. >> [laughter]. >> Wait, what? He's ugly? You Or the polite version is like, "It's.

They are a little bit ugly.". >> They're a little. You're [laughter] right. >> That's the polite version. >> He's a little bit ugly. >> My best story, we This was. when we were first. taking trips there. I didn't have an I didn't have a lot of. Swedish under my belt, but I had I had. some nouns, you know. And [laughter] we were on one of these. little tour but buses or it was a boat. It was a boat out to. the archipelago and they they had like a.

you know, one of those outside decks and. I saw this group of tourists and they. were. looking and pointing. and. then they sent a scout. You could tell. they sent a scout to go check to see if. if it was really me. And so I say to Viv and we're with her. cousin. Ava and I was like. let's start we should start speaking. Swedish. I want to see. And so they started speaking and I just. started going yeah, yeah.

Uh-huh. Yeah, chickling. Which is just chicken. Yeah. Oh, score. Which is shoes. >> [laughter]. >> I'm just saying nouns. I'm just saying yeah, chickling. Yeah, chicken. Yeah, shoes. Yeah. Hat. Oh, bra, which is good. And I just would say these words. and he did this lap and he.

it was kind of it was really fantastic. bad movie acting. Did this lap where he did a slow. look at me and then he looked away. >> [laughter]. >> Then he looked back at the group and he. just went. Not him. Not him. >> [laughter]. >> So I was like. >> So sad. >> So good. >> I mean, you could be sweet. You look. Swedish, Will. >> Which the the B side of that is Swedes.

listening to someone just go chicken. >> [laughter]. >> Shoe. Shirt. Good. >> And they'd be like, "He's stupid." So. he's he's obviously stupid. >> took him out for the boat ride. >> He's a little stupid. >> The other thing that's really annoying. about the Swedes. >> Yeah. >> and I'm sure Greg has encountered this, but. the men. all can either are gourmet cooks, can. build a table, >> They're insane. >> can repair the tire on your car, >> Yeah. Yeah.

>> Look, oh, the dishwasher's broken. Let. us take a look. Well, the the flumen valve is not. working. >> Yes. >> And take it apart, >> Yes. >> put it like. >> You You run can't fix it. >> Yeah, they can do everything. >> Yes. >> They can do everything. >> and they're so tall and buff, and. they're very and also home a lot. >> Yeah. >> They're just like They're They're Yeah, they're pretty Yeah. >> And like. I sewed the button back on my shirt. I'm. like, "I can't sew a button.

I should I should be able to. I'm 58. I should know how to sew a. button. You would think? >> Yeah. No. >> Right? >> Yeah. But they're like, "Matthias, we'll do it. for you.". >> [laughter]. >> Let us do it. >> Let us do it. >> If you start to do it, they're also very precise. So, if you. start to Oh, I'll do like, "Let me do. it. I don't want you to wreck it.". "That's okay. I'll do it." Code for, "You're going to break it. Let me [laughter] do it.". >> And then the last thing Well, would last.

two things before I get to the hawk. I. just also I love I the um. film you made with Harper last year. That was such a beautiful beautiful. film, well. Like. >> Thanks. >> Congrats on its success, on how it was. received. Do you have people coming up. to you still talking to you about it? >> Still to this day. >> What do they say when they. >> Just. the gift that keeps on giving. Just. uh. just. thank you. And what a you know. I love it. What a beautiful We've We've.

gotten. stories that have ranged from we watched. with our trans child and it was the. first time we talked about it as a. family. We. um. It It It's just run the gamut and. uh. and it might have been the most. once again like. surprising in the sense that we didn't. know what we were going to make or have.

I mean, it's a documentary. >> Yeah. >> Uh. but to have this thing where we. literally got to the beach at Santa. Monica. and. Josh yelled cut and we were like. oh my god, that was so much fun, but I. don't think there's a movie there. We. both said that. [laughter]. And then the first time we watched it. and we're like, how did you do that? >> Mhm. >> This is. how did you build a narrative structure. out of this whole thing? It's to then. from the festivals and the pri- It was.

everything was just like the most fun. year. >> Yeah. >> uh yeah and like. >> that. That's awesome. >> the coolest thing ever. >> And you know, Harper and I worked. together at SNL and. you know, not only was it exact like was. it exactly about that about like. somebody's journey and but it's just the. journey of friendship. Like how how do. we allow people to change? How do we. allow them to get more of themselves? What is so beautiful about the film is.

it like doesn't shy away from that. middle. um. middle space. >> Yeah. >> that allows not only Harper to talk. about how she's feeling, but for you. Like that middle space is all is kind of. like treacherous. >> For sure. >> People get very afraid to stay there. They want to get on one side of the pool. and they don't want to get it wrong. >> Right. >> And also same with Harper like Harper's. like figuring out like where is she in. this world in this space and the fact. that you guys just kind of settled in. there it's such good storytelling.

>> gave permission. She was like, let's. we. you're you're going to make me ask me. whatever. I'm going to make mistakes. You're going to make like and I'm like, okay. Okay, are you sure? Okay, what about this, you know? And um. what a kind of wonderful piece about. just friendship and just being an. advocate for for anyone who's going. through anything. >> Totally. >> And that was kind of the the universal. takeaway as well. >> And you team up with Harper again on. >> The Hawk.

>> The Hawk. Which is the name of your character, Lonnie Hawk. >> Lonnie Hawkins, Lonnie the Hawk Hawkins. >> Okay, Hawkins. Okay. Incredible, you. have an incredible look in this show. >> Yeah. >> Incredible. Always a little sunburned? >> Always. >> Got a little golf golf tan? >> Golf tan. >> Mhm. The great Autumn Butler doing your. makeup for that. >> craft Autumn pitched like, what if. Lonnie. What if Lonnie had a little tan line? >> [laughter]. >> Like like and we carry it the whole.

series. >> Perfect. >> And I said, done and done. >> [laughter]. >> And Parnes is in the show, right? >> Well, we talked to Parnel. >> Okay. >> Yeah, we did. We talked to him before. this um before we started because we. always try to talk well behind someone's. back and we try to get in a question. And before we get to his question, let's. talk about Parnel for a second. What a. like what a laser-focused. performer.

>> Right. Yes. >> So funny. What was fun about working. with him? And you guys have worked. together on many things for a long time. and shared an office at SNL. >> Yeah, Chris Parnell comedically, yeah, he's so precise. He nails. every performance, every nuance, everything. You give him a note um. and he ex he just executes everything in. such a funny way. >> And he's a really good actor. >> Yes, really good actor. And is so funny in this because he just.

plays wonderfully uptight. >> Yeah. >> Uh and gets so mad. throughout. We have him screeching at times. >> [laughter]. >> Literally screeching. >> Jerry Collins is writing on the show, too. >> Your third roommate. >> we. were reminiscing how we had we shared. the three of us shared an office at SNL. and for a good half of the season. committed I don't know if you remember. this committed to wearing. short-sleeve button-down white shirts. and dark tie we dressed as NASA.

uh. mission control guys. Do you remember. that? Every writing Tuesday we would. wear. >> ahead of my time, I think. >> Oh, you weren't there yet. >> don't think I was there yet. >> That's right. >> Yeah, I missed the fun. >> It was Jerry's idea, should we every. Tuesday night on the writing night. should we wear short-sleeve button-down. shirts with black ties. like we work for NASA? >> Yes. >> Let's do that. [laughter]. >> Um okay, but um his question to you was. um who were your comedy idols growing. up? >> I loved staying up and watching The.

Tonight Show and I would. if there was a comedian on I would stay. and watch the if there wasn't I. so I that's where I would see. Jerry Seinfeld for the first time. Uh. that's where you know. Richard Pryor. >> Mhm. >> uh. uh you name it. That was you know before. cable that's the that was one of the few. outlets to get to see. comedy. So I just kind of and then I. loved. I loved those late '70s early '80s.

sitcoms like. >> Yes, all of. >> Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley. all of that stuff and watching these. actors be so funny but then it felt real. and how are they doing that and. >> Mhm. >> like. Andy Kaufman in Taxi. >> Mhm. >> Uh. So, it's I didn't have that one person that. I could put on a poster in my room. >> Uh Bob Newhart. >> Yeah, who you worked with in Elf.

>> Yeah. >> Well, you bring up the fact that when we. grew up TV was kind of the only place. Like I we didn't I didn't go to the. theater. It was the only place to kind. of find out or some like comedy records. And now, I mean, you have been like. you've been on the front line of a lot. of like new media, you know, you're like. Funny or Die and you like have um. you know, Big Money Players, which is a. huge. um network of great podcasts including. Let's Go to. Call Your Sister's which we love here.

Like you you've kind of like in our. lifetime, the way people. >> Yeah. >> watch things and find people is so. different. >> So different. >> for the one TV show at 11:30 at night. >> Yeah. >> It's Do you What do you get out of. producing? I mean, you're always you're. always trying to encourage like young. fresh voices, new POVs. You're always. doing that. What do you like? >> the same. thing that you've probably gotten out of. it. Just being able to lend some. currency to someone who,

you know, has a fresh voice or you just. like. Yeah, give them a shot. >> Yeah. >> Why not? >> You just cuz I think you like. I mean, it was it's been said about you, but you love to laugh. Like you're a. really you really want to laugh. >> And I remember that when. um. Jerry Seinfeld came to host SNL, he. laughed so hard at every sketch. I was. like, "Jerry, do you really You're like. the most generous host I've ever seen.".

He's like. He's like "I just love comedy.". And uh. >> [laughter]. >> I was like, "No, it was slight, Jerry.". So, I thought. I don't want to It was a It was a light. dusting. >> Yeah, if if you want more you got to you. got to pay through the paywall. >> the paywall. >> good hang paywall and you'll hear. >> full. >> full Seinfeld. >> hair, makeup, everything. >> not you can't you don't get the. Seinfeld. >> to go away. >> Yeah. >> That was just a little dash. I do regret. I regret that little dash of Jerry. Seinfeld. [laughter]. But keep it in. Keep it in.

>> It was just a tiny. >> dash. It was so slight. It was so. slight. It was so slight. >> Because you can't help it. >> [laughter]. >> Because how do you talk to him when he. looks like this? >> But but I do remember. going, yeah, what? We should all laugh at each other. I. mean, if we think it's funny. >> Yeah. >> We should all laugh. >> Or if it's not. Also, sometimes if it's. not funny, it's the best thing in the. world and I'll finish with this which is. one of my favorite things ever was at. SNL. We would look at sketches that. bombed and the my most favorite sketch.

I've ever watched that bombed is your. Gabe Kaplan sketch which we've talked. about. And for people under the age of. 50, there was a gentleman named Gabe. Kaplan on a show called Welcome Back. Kotter. >> Another 70s sitcom that I loved. >> and he was he was huge. He would be like. who would he be like now? It would be. like. >> He was kind of like a. it was almost like equivalent of like a. Larry David maybe in a way. >> Yeah, sure. >> If if he was the teacher in a classroom. with all these and a. a young John Travolta.

>> Yes, young John Travolta. Incredible. Anyway, Will does a sketch where he. plays a guy. >> Oh, and he has a very distinct look. >> Right, his look is like a very 70s. >> 70s, big mustache, >> curly hair. >> hair, sideburns. >> And Will did a sketch that went into the. SNL archives that we used to pull up not. only because and this is going right. back to the beginning Will, because. watching the captain fail is. >> [laughter]. >> makes you feel a lot better. >> Right.

>> about yourself. >> Okay. >> But also, the way in which everyone dug. in deeper the worse the sketch was going. to me is like that's true love. But Will. plays a guy who What's the premise? >> The premise is that I am a guy who works. at an office. I think we made it an. insurance company. That. Gabe Kaplan, the actor, is a client of. Okay. I look just like Gabe I've cultivated.

I'm such a fan of Gabe Kaplan. I've. cultivated my look to look just like. him. >> Right. >> And the sketch is that it's in the break. room and it's the day that Gabe Kaplan. actually came into the office to sign. some paperwork. And they're talking about how nice It's. John Goodman, it's Molly, it's Tim. Meadows. >> John Goodman, Tim Meadows, and Molly. >> talking about what a nice guy. He was so. cool. He was so funny. I'm like I'm I'm. like, "Who are you guys talking about?". "Oh, Gabe Kaplan was here.". I was like, "What?". Yeah.

You. "Why didn't you guys come and get me?". Like, "What do you mean?" Like, "You. guys I. That's the reason why I'm working at. this company." [laughter]. And I lose it and I'm like. >> starts to lose it and there is not. >> one. >> one laugh. I mean, there's not even a. cough. >> No, there's the smallest laugh in the. world though, way up in the corner here. >> [laughter]. >> At one point. >> So the audience never mind you're all. you're screwed. They don't know who Gabe. Kaplan is. >> Kaplan is. >> They don't They don't appreciate that. you're dressed just like him. And they don't understand why you're.

mad. >> They don't understand I'm mad. And I'm. the whole. the the thrust of the sketch is built. off my tirade of why why didn't anyone I. was in the bathroom. Why didn't anyone. check the bathroom? >> [laughter]. >> Did you not then like They're like, "Relax. We didn't think to check the bathroom.". Like, "Why wouldn't you? You know how. much he means I wanted to meet him.". >> And what happens is Molly and you and. Tim Meadows play it like a drama. You're. in like Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf. or something like that. You Who's Afraid. of Virginia and you're both and Molly's. going, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you.".

And you're going, "How could you do this. to me?" And it is the funniest and a a. lesson in commitment, but it's such a. good example of how. everyone is one thing away from bombing. all the time. That's No matter who you. are, like the bombing is so delicious. As I finish anything right now that. you're like. Do you watch comedy? Are you like Do you. Is there anything you're watching right. now that you love? >> No. >> I know.

>> [laughter]. >> I ask this because I'm always looking. I'm always looking. >> to come up with something clever. I mean, right now I'm watching all the. World Cup. I'm really into It's very. exciting. We went to one of the games. out in LA. >> So fun. >> I also love when like the best players. play great. It's like Messi is just. playing so great. >> Mbappe. >> Mbappe. >> That's just fun to say. >> Yeah. >> Mbappe. >> Mbappe.

The M is not silent. >> It's not silent. No, you lean into it. Mbappe. Mbappe. Luxuriate in the M. >> Yeah. Um Will Ferrell. I. I think we did it. >> We totally did it. >> [laughter]. >> I really do think we did it. We talked. for a long time. >> We really did. Yeah. >> And um. I just. >> real plants? >> These are fake fake plants, fake food. >> Got you. >> [clears throat]. >> Fake plants, fake food. I didn't want. the like codependent responsibility of.

keeping these alive. >> The compliment is it looked real out of. the side of my eye. That's the. compliment. And then I was like, "Oh, that's not real.". So, that's a comp- that's a compliment. >> You just want to be able to side eye it. >> eye you. [snorts]. >> Is there any food over there that looks. real? >> reality. That hamburger with the sesame. The sesame seed buns. >> Okay, let's just let's take a look at. that before we go. >> seed drew drew my eye. >> So, this is a This is your typical. Take a look at that if you want to feel. it. >> toy? Oh, no. It's got a good weight to it.

>> And does it come apart? It's a Will's a. No. >> No, it doesn't. >> glued together. It's cheeseburger with. like a rubber cheeseburger, but it looks. good, right? >> of looks appetizing, yeah. >> [laughter]. >> Now, be careful. >> Oh, I want to bite into it. >> Be careful. Don't do it. Well, thank you for being here. Thanks. for doing this. >> It's great to see you. I love I love. spending time with you. >> that you're a power player in this space. now. >> I mean, look at me. >> Yeah. >> [laughter]. >> Can you tell?

Like every power player. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> That's That's [laughter] That's your. part, right there. >> Thanks, buddy. Thanks for doing this. >> so fun. >> [cheering]. >> Thank you, Will Ferrell, for coming. You're the best. You're the king and the. goat and the captain, as far as I'm. concerned. And um it's so, so fun to. have you here. And and and I could have. talked about all of your comedic choices. for a very long time, but I just want to. end in this polar plunge by talking, once again, about Bobby and Marty Culp,

um the um. very religious singers who um sing um. sing popular songs in their own special. way. Do yourself a favor and go down. memory lane and uh watch Ana Gasteyer. and Will Ferrell play those two weirdos. And pay attention, please, to Will's. bald cap, um. his outfits, and his gentleness. Because. I think that people um know Will as.

these characters that kind of yell and, you know, have these like giant bursts. of energy, but um Marty Culp is um just. He's just very self-contained. And uh. it's such a funny, weird performance and. one of my favorite characters among the. many that Will have um have given us. So, uh thank you for uh joining us. Will, thank you for listening, whoever's. listening. And we'll see you soon on the. next one. Okay, bye. >> [applause].

>> You've been listening to Good Hang. The. executive producers for this show are. Bill Simmons, Jenna Weiss-Berman, and. me, Amy Poehler. [music] The show is. produced by The Ringer and Paper Kite. For The Ringer, production by Jack. Wilson, Kat Spellane, [music]. Kaya McMullen, and Elea Zinouris. For. Paper Kite, production by Sam Green, Joel Lovell, and Jenna Weiss-Berman. Original music by Amy Miles. >> I had a one who was a really. good hang.