Why did the scarecrow become a successful actor? Because he was outstanding in his field! Well, this might not be one of Will Ferrell’s jokes, but it could easily be! His name is anything but new to our comedy radar. The man who turned Saturday Night Live into a laughter battleground and single-handedly gave newsmen a hilarious makeover with Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy in 2004, is worthy of every chuckle and guffaw.
Ferrell, 57, who also dabbles in writing, has stacked up a fortune through his humor and timeless performances. So, how rich is the man who has ruled the box office and our funny bones? How many zeros are we talking about when it comes to his bank account? Let’s dive into the whimsy and wealth of everyone’s favorite ‘Anchorman’.
Will Ferrell’s Fortune: A Comedy King with a $160 Million Crown
Will Ferrell first caught the eye of audiences back in the 1990s on Saturday Night Live, enchanting older generations with his off-the-wall antics. After making memorable cameo appearances in films like Zoolander and Austin Powers, he officially took the plunge into the big screen with the cult classic Old School in 2003. Since then, he’s been on a comedy crusade, gracing us with gems like Elf, Anchorman, Talladega Nights, and the delightful comedy Eurovision Song Contest.
But wait, there’s more! Ferrell has also showcased his talent for voice acting, lending his vocal chops to animated hits like Megamind and The Lego Movie. Who knew he could bring cartoons to life and still look good doing it?
When you tally up those hefty acting paychecks and sprinkle in some cash from his ventures in Succession and soccer (yes, you heard that right), it’s no wonder Celebrity Net Worth estimates Ferrell’s total worth at an impressive $160 million.
Born in Irvine, California, Ferrell developed an interest in comedy at a young age. In an interview with the Orange County Register, the father of 3 said:
Growing up in suburbia, in safe, master-planned Irvine, there was no drama so we had to create it in our heads. My main form of entertainment was cracking my friends up and exploring new ways of being funny. I didn’t have to have the survival mode instinct like other comics, who grew up in tough neighborhoods. I had the opposite. For me, I grew up in Mayberry, and the humor broke the boredom. And there was a lot to make fun of.
Now, let’s see how he earns that wonderful fortune and what makes him the king of comedy!
How Will Ferrell Rakes in the Dough from His Acclaimed Shows & Flicks?
Will Ferrell has dipped his toes into over 80 movies and multiple television shows, making him a jack of all trades in the entertainment industry. With such a diverse portfolio, his paycheck can vary like a box of chocolates—sometimes you get a low-budget indie flick and other times you’re swimming in a pool of cash!
In the mid-2000s, when he was strutting his stuff as one of Hollywood’s top earners, he was raking in more than $20 million per film (via Parade) for hits like Kicking & Screaming, Semi-Pro, and Talladega Nights.
After hitting the big time with Old School, he firmed his status as a comedic heavyweight with his iconic role as Ron Burgundy in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. For that gem, he reportedly pocketed $7 million. However, that was just the tip of the iceberg; for nearly a decade after, his salaries soared to dizzying heights.
Elf became Ferrell’s second box office triumph, and he didn’t leave any crumbs behind—he reportedly snagged a staggering $17 million for that one! Not bad for a guy in a green costume spreading holiday cheer. He was even allegedly offered a jaw-dropping $29 million for an Elf sequel (via Yahoo), but he decided it wasn’t in his heart.
And, let’s not forget Ferrell’s earlier days on Saturday Night Live, where he became one of the highest-paid cast members in 2001 with a season salary of $350,000 (per Yahoo). Having been a part of the show from 1995 to 2002, he knew how to negotiate a sweet deal as his comedic star rose.
Why Did Will Ferrell Pass on $29 Million?
Will Ferrell actually turned down a jaw-dropping $29 million to don Buddy the Elf’s pointy shoes again. Now that’s what we call being rich enough to be choosy!
Ever since Elf hit our screens in 2003, we’ve been pulling out our holiday cheer and binge-watching it like it’s our annual tradition (which it is!). The studio heads noticed our obsession and decided to chase the cash cow that is Ferrell’s iconic character. They went all out, offering him a whopping $29 million for a sequel.
But despite the golden opportunity, Ferrel wasn’t keen on returning to Elf 2. In a 2021 interview with Rolling Stone, he said:
I would have had to promote the movie from an honest place, which would’ve been, like, ‘Oh no, it’s not good. I just couldn’t turn down that much money.’ And I thought, ‘Can I actually say those words? I don’t think I can, so I guess I can’t do the movie.’
Can you imagine the inner turmoil? The man’s sitting on a pile of cash, being offered enough dough to buy a small island, yet he decides to pass because he can’t lie about the quality of the script! And really, who can blame him? Sometimes it’s not about the money; it’s about the art.
Will Ferrell: Scoring Big with Sports Ownership & Producing
Will Ferrell isn’t just a master of comedy; he’s also a savvy businessman raking in profits from a variety of ventures, including sports ownership and production.
Firstly, he has hit a home run with his ownership stake in the soccer team Los Angeles FC (LAFC). This team has not only made waves on the field but has also seen its valuation skyrocket. As of last year, LAFC was valued at a staggering $1 billion (see Forbes), making it Major League Soccer’s first billion-dollar franchise.
In addition to his on-screen antics, Ferrell has made strides in producing by co-founding the successful production company Gary Sanchez Productions alongside Adam McKay. This powerhouse has been behind a multitude of films and TV shows, including the critically acclaimed series Succession. Additionally, he, McKay, and two others launched the popular comedy video platform, Funny or Die.
Will Ferrel’s Real Estate Holdings
Will Ferrell’s real estate portfolio also contributes to his impressive net worth. His properties in Los Angeles are valued at approximately $20 million (via Celebrity Net Worth), adding yet another layer to his financial success. Investing in real estate has proven to be a smart move, as property values in the area continue to rise.
Ergo, his income isn’t just coming from his comedy career; his ownership stake in LAFC, his producing gigs, and his real estate investments all play a significant role in boosting his net worth. With his diverse portfolio, it’s clear that Ferrell has mastered the art of turning laughter into a thriving business!
Also, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy is streaming on FuboTV.