Fun Facts You Might Not Know About Will Ferrell

While Will Ferrell is best known for his wild antics, unforgettable movie roles, and razor-sharp comedy, there’s a whole side to him that even die-hard fans might not be aware of. From his personal fears to athletic achievements and hidden talents, Ferrell’s life off-screen is just as captivating as his on-screen persona. In this section, we dive deep into lesser-known facts that paint a more complete picture of the man behind the absurdity.

1. A Comedian with a Fear of Elevators

Despite being one of the boldest performers in Hollywood, Will Ferrell suffers from a surprising phobia: elevators.

He has openly admitted to avoiding elevators whenever possible.
Even on film sets or during press tours, he’ll take the stairs rather than step into a lift.
This seemingly irrational fear makes him incredibly relatable — even comedy legends have anxieties.

“I’ve been stuck in one before. I can’t stand that feeling of being trapped with strangers in a metal box,” Ferrell once explained in an interview.

2. Marathon Man – Athletic Side of Will Ferrell

You might not expect a comedian known for clumsy characters like Ron Burgundy or Buddy the Elf to be a serious athlete, but Will Ferrell is a dedicated runner.

Notable Marathons Completed:

Boston Marathon
New York City Marathon
Stockholm Marathon
Los Angeles Marathon

These aren’t just casual runs. Ferrell trains extensively and has clocked respectable finish times — showing endurance, discipline, and determination.

Why Does He Run?

To challenge himself physically
To support charitable causes, especially Cancer for College, which helps cancer survivors attend college
As a form of mental clarity and stress relief

“There’s a meditative quality to running,” Ferrell has said, “And doing it for a cause gives it deeper meaning.”

3. Musician at Heart – The Hidden Musical Side

Before dominating comedy stages and big screens, Will Ferrell was in a college band called “The Right Profile”, named after a song by The Clash.

Fun Music Facts:

He played the drums and occasionally sang backup vocals.
He continues to showcase his drumming skills in sketches and comedy specials.
Ferrell once did a famous drum-off with Red Hot Chili Peppers’ drummer Chad Smith on The Tonight Show — a moment that went viral.

Fans were stunned by how talented he actually is, blending musical rhythm with comedic timing effortlessly.

4. High School Sports Star

While his characters may be clumsy and goofy, Ferrell was a multi-sport athlete during his teenage years.

Sports Played in High School:

Football (Quarterback)
Basketball
Soccer

He attended University High School in Irvine, California, and was known for his team spirit and athleticism. His background in sports later informed roles in Talladega Nights, Semi-Pro, and Kicking & Screaming.

5. Harvard’s Favorite Streaker

One of Ferrell’s most outrageous stunts wasn’t on a movie set — it was on the grounds of Harvard University.

What Happened?

In 2003, he delivered a hilariously inspiring Class Day speech at Harvard.
To cap off the moment, he stripped down and streaked across Harvard Yard, keeping his promise to “leave a lasting memory.”

The stunt went viral and is still talked about in Harvard circles today — an example of how Ferrell commits fully to the bit.

6. Guinness World Record Holder

Yes, Will Ferrell once held a Guinness World Record — and it’s as ridiculous and delightful as you’d expect.

Record:

Most costume changes in 60 seconds

Set during a Red Nose Day charity event
Changed outfits 31 times in a single minute
The spectacle was chaotic, hilarious, and completely on-brand for Ferrell

7. Improviser Extraordinaire

One of the reasons Ferrell’s performances feel so authentic is his improvisational talent. He’s known for:

Creating scenes on the spot
Staying in character no matter what
Surprising co-stars with improvised dialogue that often makes the final cut

Iconic Improvised Moments:

“Milk was a bad choice” – Anchorman
Singing “Por Ti Volaré” – Step Brothers
Various unscripted moments during Saturday Night Live sketches

Many directors say he’s funniest when he’s off-script — a true testament to his comedic genius.

8. Fluent in Spanish

Here’s one that surprises many: Will Ferrell speaks Spanish!

He’s studied the language for years and has used it in interviews and performances.
In 2012, he starred in “Casa de Mi Padre,” a full-length feature film entirely in Spanish — playing it completely straight in a telenovela-style satire.

This showcases not just a linguistic skill, but his willingness to take risks creatively.

9. Surprisingly Soft-Spoken Off-Camera

Despite his loud and eccentric roles, many co-stars describe Ferrell as:

Quiet
Humble
Incredibly respectful

He’s known for treating everyone — from directors to assistants — with kindness and patience. It’s a reminder that his wild energy is pure performance, not personality.

10. Collector of Strange Memorabilia

Ferrell has an eccentric taste in art and collectibles.

Owns vintage ice-cream scoops
Collects Swedish gnome figurines
Keeps props and costumes from nearly all his films
Has a fascination with retro sports jerseys

This quirky hobby aligns perfectly with his unpredictable brand of comedy.

Bonus Fun Fact: He Has a Degree in Sports Information

Will Ferrell graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) with a degree in Sports Information — a major so specific that it was eventually discontinued.

He originally planned to become a sports broadcaster.
This background helped him land sports-related roles with authenticity.

Final Thoughts: Why These Fun Facts Matter

These trivia nuggets aren’t just entertaining — they provide insight into Will Ferrell’s depth and diversity as both an artist and individual. From athlete to philanthropist, drummer to Guinness World Record holder, Ferrell continues to break the mold of what it means to be a comedy star.

Key Takeaways:

Ferrell’s off-screen life is rich with surprises.
His athleticism and charitable spirit challenge the stereotype of a slapstick comedian.
His bold choices — like doing a Spanish-language film or breaking records — show his commitment to originality.