Will Ferrell

University of Southern California graduate Will Ferrell was always known for his comedic timing. In high school, Ferrell read the daily announcements over the school PA system using funny voices, which led to his interest in performing.

Years later, he started work as a comedian as a member of the L.A. comedy/improv group The Groundlings, which has also featured Ana Gasteyer, Maya Rudolph and Phil Hartman over the years. It was while in The Groundlings that he first met Chris Kattan, and the duo was later cast on Saturday Night Live.

When Ferrell started at NBC’s SNL in 1995 he was declared one of the worst cast members in the show’s long history. However, after a few short years Ferrell, with the help of his impersonations and wide range of characters became one of the most beloved. When he left SNL in 2002, he was the only cast member to ever receive a farewell from all the current cast members at the end of the season finale show.

Since leaving the show, Ferrell has gone on to have a successful film career starring in films like Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgendy, Kicking & Screaming and the popular holiday comedy Elf.