Will Ferrell is widely recognized as one of the most iconic figures in comedy, thanks to his unforgettable sketches on *Saturday Night Live* (SNL),
his roles in beloved films like *Elf* and *Anchorman*, and his unique sense of humor.
However, even Ferrell, who is now a seasoned comedy veteran, was once a newcomer navigating the daunting world of live television.
In a recent appearance on the *New Heights* podcast with hosts Jason and Travis Kelce,
the actor opened up about one of the most memorable (and humorous) moments from his early days on *SNL*—his first-ever line flub during the live broadcast in 1995.
Ferrell recalled his nervous excitement on the night of his SNL debut. It was the first show of the season,
and Ferrell, as a new cast member, was about to step onto the live stage for the very first time. With his family and friends in the audience, he had the rare opportunity to deliver the opening lines of the show. The pressure was on, but as he nervously waited for the countdown, Ferrell couldn’t help but feel a mix of awe and disbelief that he was finally part of the legendary *SNL* cast.
“It was one of my ‘Welcome to Hollywood’ moments,” Ferrell explained during the podcast. “I got to be the first member of a brand-new cast on *Saturday Night Live*, and I got to say the first lines of our opening show.” Ferrell said that, in that moment, he was filled with excitement and nerves as the stage lights shone brightly on him and the countdown to the live broadcast began.
However, things didn’t go exactly as planned. As Ferrell recounted, the moment he spoke his first line on camera, he completely messed it up. “A little trivia here: I mess up my line the first time I speak on camera on the show. I flub it,” he admitted with a laugh, recalling the incident as a pivotal and humbling moment in his career.
It’s easy to see why the comedic slip-up has stuck with him all these years. For any performer, the pressure of live TV can be overwhelming, especially when it’s a debut on one of the most well-known comedy stages in the world. The flub marked the beginning of Ferrell’s journey into Hollywood, and despite his initial mistake, he went on to become one of the most successful and beloved figures in comedy.
However, a closer look at the original footage reveals an interesting twist. While Ferrell was certain that his very first line was a flub, Entertainment Weekly conducted a bit of digging and found the clip on Peacock, discovering that Ferrell’s initial line in the sketch was, in fact, delivered correctly. The mix-up occurred with his second line in the skit, where he stumbled over his words. Still, for Ferrell, the moment remains a defining and humorous milestone in his career.
Despite the slight mistake, Ferrell’s career on *SNL* continued to thrive, with his signature humor and wild characters quickly making him a fan favorite. He went on to become one of the show’s most successful and recognized cast members, leaving an indelible mark on the world of comedy.
In addition to his comedic roles on *SNL*, Ferrell’s Hollywood career has been nothing short of impressive. He quickly transitioned to the big screen, starring in films like *Old School*, *Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby*, *Step Brothers*, and *The Other Guys*, all of which solidified his status as one of comedy’s top talents. Ferrell’s portrayal of Buddy the Elf in the 2003 holiday classic *Elf* has also become a cornerstone of his career, making him an annual fixture in holiday movie marathons.
Even after decades in the entertainment industry, Ferrell remains a beloved figure in pop culture, known for his quick wit, distinctive voice, and penchant for ridiculous, larger-than-life characters. While the actor may have stumbled on his very first night in front of the camera, that moment only adds to his charm and makes his rise to stardom all the more impressive.
For more insights into Ferrell’s *SNL* debut and other hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, be sure to check out the latest episode of the *New Heights* podcast with Jason and Travis Kelce, now available on iHeartRadio.
Will Ferrell’s ability to laugh at himself and embrace the awkward moments is part of what makes him so relatable and endearing to fans, and his journey from a nervous new cast member to a comedy legend serves as a reminder that even the most successful careers are built on a few mistakes along the way.
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