Photo Credit: MeSsy podcast
In a recent episode of the MeSsy podcast, hosted by Christina Applegate and Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Hollywood star Will Ferrell opened up about an unexpected source of childhood discomfort - his legal name. The revelation came as Ferrell and Applegate reminisced about their iconic roles in the comedy classic "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" on its 20th anniversary.
Ferrell, now 56, disclosed that his full legal name is John William Ferrell, a fact that caused him considerable embarrassment during his school years. "This is a minor thing in terms of - it's not really even trauma - but I remember feeling so embarrassed because my real name is John," Ferrell explained. He recounted the awkwardness of having to correct teachers on the first day of school, stating, "It was so embarrassing to me to have to say 'Here, but I go by Will; I don't go by John.'"
The comedian described the experience of waiting for teachers to adjust to calling him Will as "excruciating." He emphasized that the name situation wasn't his choice, explaining, "My parents named me John, but they called me Will. I grew up as Will, but on a rule sheet, my legal name is John Ferrell."
Ferrell's candid admission sheds light on the often overlooked impact of names on children's social experiences. The actor, known for his comedic talents, shared that being funny was his strategy for making friends easily in school. This revelation adds a layer of understanding to Ferrell's development as a comedic personality.
The conversation also touched on Ferrell and Applegate's experiences working together on "Anchorman." Ferrell praised Applegate's performance, saying, "Christina just checked all the boxes - between funny, smart, and tough - because we needed Veronica to stand up to these doofuses, and she was the smartest person in the room."
As the podcast discussion unfolded, Ferrell jokingly acknowledged the potential reaction to his name-related confession: "People are probably going to be listening to this going 'That is the lamest thing ever,'" to which Applegate humorously replied, "We just lost anyone named John."
This candid conversation not only provides fans with insight into Ferrell's early years but also highlights the lasting impact of childhood experiences on even the most successful individuals. As "Anchorman" celebrates its 20th anniversary, this personal anecdote from one of its stars adds a touch of humanity to the beloved comedy classic
Ferrell, now 56, disclosed that his full legal name is John William Ferrell, a fact that caused him considerable embarrassment during his school years. "This is a minor thing in terms of - it's not really even trauma - but I remember feeling so embarrassed because my real name is John," Ferrell explained. He recounted the awkwardness of having to correct teachers on the first day of school, stating, "It was so embarrassing to me to have to say 'Here, but I go by Will; I don't go by John.'"
The comedian described the experience of waiting for teachers to adjust to calling him Will as "excruciating." He emphasized that the name situation wasn't his choice, explaining, "My parents named me John, but they called me Will. I grew up as Will, but on a rule sheet, my legal name is John Ferrell."
Ferrell's candid admission sheds light on the often overlooked impact of names on children's social experiences. The actor, known for his comedic talents, shared that being funny was his strategy for making friends easily in school. This revelation adds a layer of understanding to Ferrell's development as a comedic personality.
The conversation also touched on Ferrell and Applegate's experiences working together on "Anchorman." Ferrell praised Applegate's performance, saying, "Christina just checked all the boxes - between funny, smart, and tough - because we needed Veronica to stand up to these doofuses, and she was the smartest person in the room."
As the podcast discussion unfolded, Ferrell jokingly acknowledged the potential reaction to his name-related confession: "People are probably going to be listening to this going 'That is the lamest thing ever,'" to which Applegate humorously replied, "We just lost anyone named John."
This candid conversation not only provides fans with insight into Ferrell's early years but also highlights the lasting impact of childhood experiences on even the most successful individuals. As "Anchorman" celebrates its 20th anniversary, this personal anecdote from one of its stars adds a touch of humanity to the beloved comedy classic
