WILL Ferrell has revealed how his real name really made him feel during his childhood.
Earlier this week, the Duende actor made a guest appearance on Anchorman co-star Christina Applegate’s MeSsy podcast, which she shares with Jamie-Lynn Sigler.
On Tuesday’s episode, Will, 56, sat down with Christina, 52, to discuss a wide range of topics, including the 20th anniversary of their 2004 comedy.
During the reunion, the Dead To Me actress spoke to Will about her childhood and being part of groups and said that “being funny was an easy way to make friends.”
Will then told the podcast hosts what his legal name is.
The Daddy’s Home star said: “This is a minor thing in terms of – it’s not even a trauma – but I remember feeling so embarrassed because my real name is John, John William Ferrell.
“So on the first day of school, I would be John. The teacher would be like ‘John Ferrell?’ and it was so embarrassing for me to have to say ‘Here, but I go by Will, not John.’ “
‘IT WASN’T MY CHOICE’
During his first week of school, Will revealed the “painful” feeling of having to wait for his teachers to remember that his name was Will and not John.
“It wasn’t my choice,” he said.
Will began to explain that his parents called him Will.
“I grew up as Will, but in the rules, my legal name is John Ferrell.”
He added that children would ask him why he had to correct teachers whenever they could call him by his preferred name.
“I don’t know why it was so embarrassing for me to have to explain ‘Actually, I’m Will.’
“People will probably hear this saying ‘That’s the dumbest thing ever,’” he joked.
Christina added, “We just lost someone named John.”
I grew up as Will, but in the rules, my legal name is John Ferrell.
Will FerrelMessy Podcast
During another part of the podcast, Christina revealed that she is working on a memoir.
“I’m writing it now,” she told listeners.
MORE ABOUT WILL
Will Ferrell was born on July 16, 1967, in Irvine, California – a city in Orange County.
The actor rose to fame on Saturday Night Live between 1995 and 2002.
During his time on the NBC late-night comedy show, Will impersonated many public figures, including former anchor Brian Williams, Playboy magazine founder Hugh Hefner, singer Elton John and politician Al Gore.
Over the years, Will has portrayed many iconic film characters, including Buddy from Elf, Brennan Huff from Step Brothers, and Ricky Bobby from Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.
His most recent film was Despicable Me 4, released on July 3, 2024, in the United States.
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