Molly Shannon and I used to always talk about that we really felt strongly that we were comedic actors, that we weren't comedians. You just played things real and the comedy came out of the context.
Will FerrellRead
When I first started doing sketch comedy, I promised myself that if I were ever to have any success in this business, I wouldn't hold back. Why get there and play it safe?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of fully committing to one's craft without the fear of failure.
Will Ferrell's quote reflects his determination to embrace creativity and boldness in his sketch comedy career. He suggests that true success comes from taking risks and being authentic rather than playing it safe, which can lead to a lack of fulfillment and hinder one's potential.
Themes
ComedyRiskCreativitySuccessBoldness
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about pursuing creative passions.
More from Will Ferrell
All quotes βWhen a dramatic actor does a funny film, people are like, 'Wonderful! I didn't know he was funny!' But when it flips, people can get really thrown by it.
Will FerrellRead
I always just forced myself to do crazy things in public. In college I would push an overhead projector across campus with my pants just low enough to show my butt. Then my friend would incite the crowd to be like, 'Look at that idiot!' That's how I got over being shy.
Will FerrellRead
When I was ten, I wrote an essay on what I would be when I grew up and said I would be a professional soccer player and a comedian in off season.
Will FerrellRead
Saturday Night Live is such a comedy boot camp in a way, because you get to work with so many different people who come in to host the show and you get thrown into so many situations and learn how to think on your feet, so filmmaking actually feels slow, in a good way.
Will FerrellRead
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