• Ferrell was a guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
  • The Anchorman star’s answers were deeply, brilliantly unserious
  • “you know the old phrase, don’t turn your back on a penguin”
Will Ferrell as Ron Burgundy in the movie Anchorman
Credit: Imago Credit: Imago

Killer penguins, salami and grapefruit sandwiches, dead people turning into trees. Another totally normal Will Ferrell interview, then.

The Anchorman star dropped by the Late Show with Stephen Colbert for the April 29 episode and faced the classic ‘Colbert Questionert’.

Ferrell took the 15 trademark ‘ergonomically designed questions’, so designed to capture “the full spectrum of human experience”, in a manner that was typically insane.

Despite his best efforts, Colbert, understandably, struggles to keep things together as he works through the 15 questions, receiving some unhinged replies for his efforts.

When asked what the scariest animal is, Ferrell answered that penguins are, followed by some sage words of wisdom, “you know the old phrase, don’t turn your back on a penguin.” I mean, just think about how nefarious The Penguin is in Batman. Where do you think Oswald Cobblepot developed those characteristics? From the most dangerous animals on planet Earth, naturally.

Ferrell’s Roddy Rich line in regards to his first concert, “about five years ago” was particularly inspired.

Amid all the laughter, Ferrell still found a moment to get pretty deep, though. In a way. When asked by Colbert what he thinks happens when we die, Ferrell replied, “What I know happens…we turn into trees.” And who are we to argue with such an expert?

While Ferrell’s Colbert appearance was certainly one that will live long in the memory, we will forever be Knife Guy guys…

It would have also been nice to see Ferrell turn up for the show in full Ron Burgundy regalia. Staying classy as always.

And would some lip syncing have killed anyone? OK, granted, that’s usually saved for Jimmy Fallon, but when you’ve got a guest who is capable of nailing Drunk In Love by Beyonce like this, you take full advantage of their skill set.

Protect Will Ferrell at all costs. After all, who else is going to name Sense & Sensibility as their favourite action movie?

Ferrell received a heap of acclaim last year after taking part in road trip documentary Will & Harper with his close friend and former head writer at SNL, Harper Steele – after Steele came out as a trans woman.

During their seven-year run together on the comedy sketch show, Steele wrote some of Ferrell’s most recognisable characters, and the two have remained close friends ever since – most recently collaborating on their 2020 comedy film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.

Joe spent four years heading up SPORTbible’s editorial team before taking over at UNILAD Sport. Joe has regularly provided WWE coverage for almost a decade, interviewing many of the biggest names in...