Some describe him as the best comedian of our time. I describe him as the best thing next to a free platter of cheese or getting drunk in the morning (or something equally glorious). Whatever way you describe Will Ferrell, one thing is certain—he is a comedic genius. With all of the anticipation for the upcoming movie “Get Hard” I began thinking to myself, “will this character be as funny as the other characters that Ferrell has played?” After finishing my platter of cheese, I constructed an esteemed list of past comedic roles that Ferrell has played.
Without further ado, I present to you the top ten funniest, most awesomest Will Ferrell characters.
10. Steve Butabi – A Night at the Roxbury & SNL Skit
This is a story of Yemeni-American brothers searching for love (okay, maybe not love) in all of the wrong places. The combination of ridiculous ambitions and choreographed dance moves makes it hard not to love this character. Although the film did not receive good ratings, the SNL skit has stood out among others due to the absurdity of the characters and guest appearances from Jim Carrey, Martin Short, Tom Hanks, and Cameron Diaz.
So let’s pay tribute to the Butabi brothers! [Now playing “What is Love” in the background] Cock your head to the side, make sure to synchronize the head-bobs, and enjoy abrasively bumping genitals against a complete stranger!
9. Harry Caray – SNL Skit
“If you were a hotdog and you were starving, would you eat yourself? I know I would.” The real-life boisterous MLB broadcaster Harry Caray was well known for mispronouncing players’ names, reading words backwards, and his quirky statements; and in this skit Ferrell perfectly encapsulates Caray’s demeanor and behavioral nuances (check out the tremors). Therefore, this skit deserved the top ten list for one of the best portrayals of a celebrity.
8. Craig Buchanan – SNL Skit
One of Ferrell’s, and SNL’s, most recognized characters is Craig Buchanan—the spunky, Spartan cheerleader. I have to admit that this is a personal favorite ever since high school when my friend and I would memorize all of the cheers and parade throughout the hallways chanting the most absurd, and sometimes, inappropriate lines. I’m sure all of my teachers appreciated this cheer: “Taco! Burrito! What’s coming out of your speedo? You got troubles, whoo! You’re blowin’ bubbles, whoo! YOU STINK!”
7. Gene Frenkle – SNL Skit
Gene Frenkle, better known as the cowbell player for the Blue Oyster Cult Band, makes me pee myself a bit when I see him in a tight shirt swimming around the room, bumping into the solemn musicians, and taking his low-grade instrument way too seriously. On top of that, this skit has some of most well-known SNL lines. However, it is really the chemistry between Ferrell and Christopher Walken that creates the humor found in this skit, and that is why it unfortunately only made #7 on the list.
Best Quote: “And I’d be doing myself a disservice and every member of this band, if I didn’t perform the HELL out of this!” Walken’s character responds, “Guess what? I got a fever. And the only prescription…is more cowbell!”
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6. Chazz Michael Michaels — Blades of Glory
Sex addiction, bromenship, competitive sports, and ice skating. This character deserves to be on the top ten list because he demonstrates the comedy found in an overly masculine athlete competing in, what some would consider, a fairly feminine sport. You can’t deny that the sexualized moments between the characters (see picture above) and the outlandish macho figure skater make you laugh.
5. Frank “The Tank” Richard — Old School
While there have been several films produced emulating the fraternity college life in a comedic way, I am hard-pressed to find one that includes a fraternity brother so elderly that he dies during a lube wrestling match. Ferrell inarguably steals the scene in this film with moments such as the tranquilizer to the jugular, streaking, and singing at Blue’s funeral.
4. Brennan Huff — Stepbrothers
Hands-down, my favorite Ferrell film of all time is Stepbrothers. It’s unlike any other film and has the best lines to quote with friends. Who can forget the “Boats N Hoes” song, the two-man interview, and fights out in the yard including a bicycle and a golf club? However, it is the dual comedic value from Ferrell and Reilly that makes this movie so great. Even though Ferrell’s character is great, I don’t think it’s any better than Reilly’s character. Therefore, I unfortunately had to bump it down to #4.
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3. George W. Bush — SNL Skit & Standup
From the confused look on his face to the Texan accent, Ferrell is perfectly cast as former President George W. Bush. At the same time that Americans were growing with frustration over Bush’s political agenda and senseless comments, Ferrell helped ease the agony by bringing humor to the nation. Although many SNL actors before Ferrell portrayed presidents, there is no better imitation than Bush. In fact, this role was so popular that it allowed Ferrell to do an entire stand-up comedy routine using material from the Bush character.
2. Ricky Bobby — Talladega Nights
This list just wouldn’t be the same without mentioning Ricky Bobby. Ricky Bobby: The story about a man who couldn’t let a Frenchman outshine him as the best NASCAR racer. I love this character because he’s bold, offensive, and downright raunchy.
1. Ron Burgandy — Anchorman
Ron Burgandy. What can be said about Ron Burgandy that hasn’t been said about an old bottle of Scotch? He’s basically an acquired taste. The first time I saw Anchorman I walked out of theaters. I thought it was horrible. But over time I came to recognize what other fans had appreciated before me—Burgandy’s comedic arrogance. Many viewers may look at my decision with a big question mark on their face. Why Ron Burgandy? Isn’t it mostly his team? It is true that his dimwitted team of reporters contribute greatly to the comedic dialogue, but Burgandy brings it together with his leadership of idiocracy. His ability to take what society deems important such as family, integrity, and humility and instead exaggerate society’s obsession for fame and fortune is outstanding. In fact it is so outstanding than many popular critics have listed this film as one of their top comedic films.