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Speaking to The New York Times, which invited readers to submit questions during a 2015 interview with the actor, Ferrell had little hesitation when asked to name the character he treasures the most.
Why Ron Burgundy Still Stands Above the Rest
Despite playing some of modern comedy’s most recognizable characters, Ferrell said there has always been one clear favorite. “Ron Burgundy,” he answered, before explaining that “Anchorman” carried a unique emotional weight. “The film was such a struggle to get made and the character such a fun one to play.”
For Ferrell, the satisfaction came from watching a project that spent years searching for support eventually find its audience. He recalled seeing “Anchorman” evolve “from this movie that no one wanted to make for three years” into a comedy that earned lasting cult status, calling that journey “the most satisfying thing.”
Released in 2004, “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” followed the self-important San Diego news anchor as his male-dominated newsroom is challenged by the arrival of ambitious journalist Veronica Corningstone. Directed by Adam McKay and co-written by McKay and Ferrell, the comedy earned mixed reviews upon release but steadily grew into one of the most quoted and influential comedies of the century, eventually spawning a sequel in 2013.
Even while naming Burgundy as the standout, Ferrell acknowledged that other performances remain especially meaningful. He said he “loved doing our characters in Step Brothers” and reflected on the uncertainty surrounding “Elf,” admitting that playing Buddy initially felt like a major gamble. “It could have been a career-ender, running around the streets of New York in elf tights.” Instead, as he put it, “it totally hit the bulls-eye with people.”
More than a decade after that interview, Ferrell’s filmography has continued to expand, but his answer remains telling. While audiences may debate whether Buddy the Elf or Brennan Huff are his funniest creations, the actor himself still points to Ron Burgundy as the role that delivered both the greatest challenge and the greatest reward.
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