Will Ferrell has had loads of iconic comedy moments over the course of his profession. Because of this, there are additionally loads of hilarious Ferrell quotes which were dished out throughout his movie and TV work. However. in line with him, it was one line from a co-star that just about took him out. The actor shared how one line delivered by John C. Reilly in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (one among Ferrell’s funniest films) almost bought him.
It was on the U.S.-Eire Alliance’s 2025 Oscar Wilde Awards , the place Reilly was among the many honorees Available was Will Ferrell, who took the stage to share some heartfelt (and hilarious) recollections about their work collectively. Reflecting on their long-running friendship and comedic chemistry (by way of Individuals), the Blades of Glory actor shared one improvised second from Talladega Nights that stood out probably the most. In response to him:
John involves me to admit that he as soon as posed for Playgirl beneath the title of Mike Honcho. And sure, he did unfold his buttcheeks. That was all improvised, and I swear you simply see me hanging on for expensive life.
The scene in query takes place whereas Ferrell’s character, Ricky Bobby, is in a coma. Reilly’s Cal Naughton Jr., Ricky’s loyal however clueless finest buddy, visits him within the hospital and confesses this wildly inappropriate secret in an try at heart-to-heart honesty. The randomness of the revelation, paired with Reilly’s deadpan supply, was an excessive amount of for the funnyman to deal with. Though Ricky was imagined to be unconscious, eagle-eyed followers would possibly be capable to spot him within the clip under struggling to maintain a straight face.
The Elf star additionally mirrored on how he and Reilly first met throughout his legendary Saturday Night time Stay days. Nonetheless, it wasn’t till Anchorman’s early growth that they severely thought-about working collectively. Reilly even participated within the movie’s first desk learn earlier than finally passing on an opportunity to look in Gangs of New York as an alternative.
Will Ferrell and Talladega Nights director Adam McKay have been all in on pairing the 2 actors up, in order that they wrote the position of Cal Naughton Jr. only for John C. Reilly. It labored out, as their chemistry introduced a few of the funniest moments within the movie, just like the legendary Mike Honcho confession. They’ve teamed up just a few extra occasions, giving us the equally hilarious Step Brothers and perhaps the worst Ferrell film, Holmes & Watson–which had audiences strolling out.
Trying again on Talladega Nights makes me want for an additional collab between the 2. Possibly it is time for that long-rumored Step Brothers 2 to lastly occur! The entire Mike Honcho scene reveals that whereas Reilly is an unimaginable dramatic actor, he’s additionally probably the greatest improvisational comedians on the market.
Will Ferrell’s tribute on the Oscar Wilde Awards not solely celebrated John C. Reilly’s comedic genius but additionally showcased Ferrell’s deep admiration for his buddy. Whether or not they have been almost breaking character on set or performing “Boats N’ Hoes” (a tune for which Reilly is credited with writing half of), their partnership has made a major influence on comedy. It has been just a few years since they final shared the display, and followers at all times hope for an additional reunion. Who is aware of? Possibly Mike Honcho has one other confession left to disclose.
Be sure to take a look at our 2025 film schedule to see what these two humorous guys have arising subsequent. Will Ferrell’s most lately movie is the comedy You are Cordially Invited, through which he stars with Reese Witherspoon. You may catch it streaming when you have a Prime Video subscription.