In a previous article, we recognized the skits that proved so absurd and inane, the professional comedians on the SNL cast could not contain their laughter. Each week, the SNL sketch writers develop concepts for skits that slowly ferment into reality. The majority of the time, the on-stage cast are able to stay in character, preserving the illusion of the scene. In some cases, however, cast members like Will Ferrell intentionally lean into the hilarity of their assigned roles, managing to quickly break the practiced stoicism of their counterparts. In this article, we’ll identify the sketches where Will Ferrell managed to most profoundly break the composure of his cast.
Jeffrey’s with Sean Hayes (2001)
Starring: Sean Hayes, Will Ferrell, Jimmy Fallon
Premise: Two elitist clerks manage the operations at a trendy clothing boutique in New York City. The clerks, played by Jimmy Fallon and Sean Hayes, take pleasure in insulting the apparel preferences of many of their more “blue-collar” costumers. In their first interaction, a customer politely asks whether the store carries any diesel brand jeans. Haughtily, Fallon’s character replies “Yeah, we also carry Hootie and the Blowfish albums.” The two proceed to insult several additional customers, sniggering more and more with each calumny thrown. All in all, it doesn’t seem like the most constructive business model.
Toward the end of the sketch, a zanily dressed Will Ferrell rolls in on an electronic shopping cart, dark hair artfully flattened, rectangle sunglasses smugly covering his eyes. Dressed in a tight polka dot shirt, Ferrell approaches Fallon and Hayes before receiving a phone-call. He pulls out a microscopic cell-phone and engages in a truncated conversation, hangs up, and exclaims: “We’re going to the Dulce and Gabana show. How fast can you have your bags packed for Milan?”
Fallon and Hayes crumple in laughter, unable to compose themselves when exposed to Ferrell’s disposition and ridiculous appearance. To be fair, were I confronted with Will Ferrell garbed as he is in this sketch, I wouldn’t be able to manage myself either!
Dr. Beaman’s Office: Test Results (2008) – Will Ferrell
Starring; Will Ferrell, Rachel Dratch, Chris Parnell, Molly Shannon
Premise: A truly bizarre sketch, “Test Results” explores the antics of Ferrell’s Dr. Beaman and his staff. Two anxious parents, played by Chris Parnell and Molly Shannon, enter the doctor’s office with expectant looks. Beaman is interrupted by a phone call from someone named Beverley, whom he discusses his patient’s appearance with, describing Parnell’s character as having a “big, sweaty, fat face, sucking in air like a dying fish.” The doctor, however, acknowledges that his wife at least has a “big enough a** for a nice roll in the hay.”
After Beaman hangs up the telephone, he confusedly attempts to determine the identity of his patients, eventually concluding they are the Framingham’s. Initially, Beaman confesses that their son, Shane, is doing absolutely fine. Mollified briefly, the parents are temporarily relieved, before Beaman confesses that their son is not okay, that he is a witch. Dr. Beaman summons his colleague, Dr. Poop, who he believes can cure their son. Dr. Poop enters the room, introduces himself, performs “the robot,” and then promptly leaves.
The scene breaks down from there, with Shannon visibly smirking and giggling. Beaman, stifling his laughter, then begrudgingly admits that they have lost the Framingham’s baby. After a few improvisational exchanges, Mr. Framingham allows Dr. Beaman’s lapse to slide, complimenting him for being a straight shooter.
It’s a completely unhinged sketch, with each cast-member seemingly intent on taking turns on who can become the most absurd.
Short Shorts for the USA (2001)
Starring: Seann William Scott, Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch, Seth Meyers, Horatio Sanz
Premise: The writers for this sketch must have simply asked themselves: “Wouldn’t it be funny if Will Ferrell shows up somewhere in an American speedo?”
That’s essentially the premise of “Short Shorts for the USA.”
In a meeting oriented around quarterly earnings, Dale, the character played by Will Ferrell; arrives late for a meeting dressed in a small t-shirt and a patriotic speedo. He apologizes for being late and then perambulates about the conference room with pride, declaring unrepentantly his affection for America. The cast does their best to unsuccessfully suppress their laughter.
Cut for Time: Gus Chiggins, Old Prospector (2018) – Will Ferrell
Starring: Will Ferrell, Jimmy Fallon, Tracy Morgan, Seth Meyers, Chris Kattan, Darrell Hammond, Horatio Sanz
Premise: A platoon of soldiers have been scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan and, prior to departure, their commander engages in a perfunctory roll-call. The commander robotically scrolls through a collection of names, until he arrives at a seemingly anomalous one: “Old Prospector.” The old prospector in question misshapenly stands up and confirms his presence, unorthodoxly dressed, with pans for gold mining thrown over his shoulders. Undeterred, the commander proceeds with the roll-call, initially refusing to acknowledge that an aged prospector has somehow been admitted to his platoon.
After completing his attendance call, the commander inquires about the prospector’s name. Promptly, the prospector replies: “Gus Chiggins.” The commander, played by Chris Kattan, though clearly bemused and unsettled, nevertheless outlines the platoon’s marching orders and asks if they have any questions before disembarking.
The first soldier to rise, played by Jimmy Fallon, briefly raises a question, struggling to contain his giggles as Chiggins’ slams his mining pans without remorse in the background. Another soldier briefly inquires about the type of artillery they can expect to encounter during their assignment. Chiggins, unabashedly interrupting his commander’s reply, asserts that “I’d be more worried about coyotes, if I were you!” The commander, quickly becoming frustrated, reprimands Gus, stating “Gus, for the last time!”
The tension among the platoon quickly escalates, as several wonder aloud how they will retain their ability for stealth if Chiggins’ pots and pans are unrelentingly banging around. One disgruntled soldier, played by Tracy Morgan, repudiates Gus’ inclusion in the platoon, angrily remarking “I ain’t going to battle with this stinky old man.” Annoyed, Gus replies “I think you need to learn some manners.” Morgan, clearly breaking character, angrily states “And I think you need to shut your mouth, b***ch.”
As the dramatics continue, Gus mournfully asks himself “O Gus, what have you gotten yourself into,” pots and pans clanking away.
More Cowbell (2000)
Starring: Christopher Walken, Will Ferrell, Chris Parnell, Chris Kattan, Horatio Sanz
Premise: All the Blue Oyster Cult really needed, it turns out, was just a little more cowbell.
After suffering a series of setbacks, the Blue Oyster Cult band congregates at the studio of legendary producer, Bruce Dickinson, played by Christopher Walken. Dickinson is encouraged by the sound of the band and directs them to play “Don’t Fear the Reaper.” They begin the song, each playing a different instrument, with Ferrel’s instrument comedically being a drumstick and a cowbell. The band abruptly halts playing mid-song, requesting further instruction from Dickinson. Dickinson asserts they sounded great, but nevertheless suggests: “I could have used a little more cowbell.”
Receiving some encouragement for his talents, Ferrell then fully embraces the cowbell, flailing and dancing around the studio, emphatically drumming away. The band again stifles the session mid-song, with the lead singer arguing that the cowbell was becoming distracting. Dickinson disagrees, exclaiming he’s “gotta have more cowbell.”
The farce and laughs correspondingly ensue: Dickinson has a fever. The only prescription? More cowbell.