Will Ferrell Anchors New Comedy

Actor’s Latest Film Opens Nationwide July 9

(CBS)  After his unforgettable streaking scene in "Old School" and the runaway holiday hit, "Elf," TV’s "Saturday Night Live" alumnus Will Ferrell is back on the big screen again.

This time, he obliterates the news business in his funny movie "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy," which opens nationwide July 9.

In it, Ferrell plays Burgundy, San Diego’s No.1 anchorman in the 1970s, when budding feminism brought super competent female competition into the newsroom. Ferrell co-wrote the script with "SNL" writer Adam McKay.

In a lighthearted interview with The Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith, Ferrell called the movie a “docu-drama.”

“I’m thinking Michael Moore meets the news business, and throw in a little ‘Poseidon Adventure,’ too, because there are danger elements,” Ferrell jokes.

The comedian says he has seen many Ron Burgundys over the years: “I was - for some reason, don’t ask me why - little news [junkie]. I remember watching Walter Cronkite as a 7-year-old. And really enjoying the ritual of 6 o’clock, watching the news, getting the information from a trusted face, voice, presence.”

When Smith and Ferrell first met, the actor was part of the “SNL” ensemble cast and when asked when he was going to leave the TV show, Ferrell said he didn’t want to be the guy sitting in the parking lot.

Asked about that again, Ferrell said, “I guess I’m not in the parking lot, visiting the old high school.”

Since leaving “SNL” in 2002, Ferrell has had leading roles in several hit movies including “Elf” and “Old School.” He is scheduled to star opposite Nicole Kidman in “Bewitched,” which is due out in 2005.

About Will Ferrell

• Born in Irvine, Calif., July 16, 1967.
  
  
• Attended University High School in Irvine, Calif. (1986) and University of Southern California in Los Angeles, Calif. Majored in sports journalism (bachelor of science degree).
  
  
• After graduating from USC, worked as a sportscaster for a weekly cable series and began performing stand-up routines
  
  
• In 1991, began studying improv with The Groundlings; after six months, asked to join the troupe; first worked with fellow "Saturday Night Live" cast members Chris Kattan, Ana Gasteyer and Cheri Oteri. Created Simpatico, a mock performance artist troupe, that appeared in local comedy clubs.
  
  
• In 1995, appeared in the Showtime TV-movie "A Bucket of Blood" and joined cast of NBC's "Saturday Night Live"; received 2001 Emmy nomination.
  
  
• In 1997, made his feature film debut, "Austin Powers, International Man of Mystery" as Mufasa.
  
  
• In 1998, co-wrote (with Chris Kattan and others) and co-starred in the comedy "A Night at the Roxbury,:" based on characters created for "SNL."
  
  
• In 1999, Farrell portrayed Watergate reporter Bob Woodward in the satire "Dick." He also costarred in the "SNL" Mary Katherine Gallagher spin-off "Superstar."
  
  
• In 2000, appeared in the "SNL" spin-off movie "The Ladies Man."
  
  
• In 2001, he had a supporting role in "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" and acted in the broad comedy "Zoolander," starring Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson.
  
  
• In 2002, Farrell left "Saturday Night Live" to pursue a movie career.
  
  
• In 2003, starred with Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn and Juliette Lewis in "Old School.”
  
  
• In 2004, to star in the comedy “Anchorman” as Ron Burgundy.