The recent SNL 50th anniversary special gave us a moment that, quite honestly, a lot of people are still talking about. It seems that when Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer stepped onto the stage, they truly cooked up something special. They took a very well-known song, Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us," and turned it into something completely different, something that brought a lot of smiles and laughter to everyone watching.
This particular performance, which was part of the big homecoming concert that aired in February of 2025 on Peacock, featured the return of a beloved duo. Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer brought back their old music teacher characters, Marty and Bobbi Culp. These two are known for their unique takes on popular songs, and this time, they really outdid themselves with a medley that included a very memorable version of Kendrick Lamar's track. It was, you know, a pretty surprising twist for many.
Perhaps there weren't enough snacks backstage at the SNL 50th anniversary concert, because Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer, it seems, just made a delicious meal out of the words to Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us." Their rendition was a true highlight, showing off their comedic timing and how well they work together. It really made the whole event stand out in a way that people will likely remember for a good while.
Table of Contents
- A Look at Will Ferrell's Journey
- What Happened with Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer's "Not Like Us" Performance?
- How Did They Pull Off "Will Ferrell Not Like Us"?
- What's the Lasting Impact of "Will Ferrell Not Like Us"?
A Look at Will Ferrell's Journey
Will Ferrell, whose full name is John William Ferrell, has really made a name for himself in the entertainment world. He was born on July 16, 1967, in Irvine, California. His path into comedy and acting is, you know, a pretty interesting one, showing how someone can truly make a mark with a special kind of humor. He’s become known for his parts in funny movies and for his time on a very popular sketch show.
His dad, Roy Lee Ferrell, Jr., was a musician, and his mom, Betty Kay Overman, worked as a teacher. This background, in some respects, might have given him a unique view on life and performance, helping to shape the person he became. He attended the University of Southern California, which, you know, is where a lot of people start figuring out what they want to do with their lives. His skills in making people laugh really started to show themselves early on.
He really began to get noticed when he joined the cast of "Saturday Night Live" in 1995. This was a big step for him, giving him a chance to show off his many talents. Apparently, during his audition, he did some impressions of people like Chicago Cubs announcer Harry Caray, Senator Ted Kennedy, and even a cat. That, in a way, just goes to show how creative and funny he can be, making him a very good fit for a show that thrives on those kinds of acts.
Over the years, Will Ferrell used his amazing abilities in sketch comedy to become one of the most successful comedians of his time. He has a way of taking characters and making them unforgettable, whether they are in a short skit or a full-length movie. His work on "Saturday Night Live" set the stage for a career filled with leading roles in comedy films, establishing him as a truly funny person in Hollywood, too. It’s almost like he has a special touch when it comes to making people smile.
Will Ferrell's Early Days and Comedy Beginnings
Before becoming a household name, Will Ferrell spent his formative years building the foundation for what would become a remarkable career. His birthplace, Irvine, California, is where his story as a performer truly began. He was, you know, just a regular kid, but with a growing knack for making people laugh. This early period, in a way, shaped his approach to humor and the kind of characters he would later bring to life on screen and stage.
His time at the University of Southern California, in some respects, further honed his abilities. While the details of his studies aren't widely shared, it's clear that he was preparing for a life that involved entertaining others. The path to comedy often involves a lot of practice and trying things out, and it's fair to say that he put in the work. This period helped him develop the unique style that audiences would eventually come to love, which is, you know, a pretty big deal for any performer.
The moment he joined "Saturday Night Live" in 1995 was, arguably, a turning point. It's a show that has launched many comedic careers, and his was no exception. His audition, featuring those memorable impressions, clearly showed the producers that he had something special. He had a way of embodying different people and situations that felt both absurd and, at the same time, very real. This ability, you know, is a key part of what makes a great sketch comedian, and he certainly had it.
From that point on, his presence on "Saturday Night Live" grew, and he became a central part of the show's cast. He created many beloved characters and was known for his dedication to each performance. His work there really set him up for the big screen, allowing him to transition into movies where he continued to show off his comedic genius. It's almost as if every step he took was preparing him for the next, bigger stage, leading him to where he is today.
Personal Details and Career Highlights
Will Ferrell's life story, outside of his comedy, also gives us a bit of a look into the person behind the laughs. Born John William Ferrell, he has, you know, a pretty interesting family background, with a teacher for a mom and a musician for a dad. These details, in some respects, might offer a glimpse into the creative environment he grew up in, which probably helped shape his artistic leanings. It's almost like creativity was just part of his everyday life from the very start.
His career has been marked by many memorable moments, from his time on "Saturday Night Live" to his leading roles in various comedy films. He's known for his ability to play a wide range of characters, from the utterly ridiculous to the surprisingly heartfelt. This versatility, you know, is something that truly sets him apart in the world of entertainment. He can make you laugh one moment and then, perhaps, make you feel something a little different the next, which is a pretty special skill.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John William Ferrell |
| Born | July 16, 1967 |
| Birthplace | Irvine, California, U.S. |
| Parents | Betty Kay (Overman) Ferrell (teacher), Roy Lee Ferrell, Jr. (musician) |
| Known For | Actor, comedian, writer, producer |
| Notable Work | Saturday Night Live, leading roles in comedy films (e.g., The Ballad of Ricky Bobby) |
His work on "Saturday Night Live" included many well-known impersonations, like those of Alex Trebek and George W. Bush, which really showed his talent for mimicry. These performances, you know, were a big part of why he became so popular on the show. After leaving SNL, he went on to star in movies that became very popular, like "The Ballad of Ricky Bobby," which really cemented his status as a major comedy star. He has a way of making even the most absurd situations feel, you know, completely believable and funny.
He's also a writer and a producer, which means he's involved in more than just acting. This wider involvement in making films and shows suggests a deep passion for comedy and storytelling. It's almost like he's always looking for new ways to bring laughter and entertainment to people, whether he's in front of the camera or behind it. His influence, in some respects, goes beyond just his performances, shaping the projects he works on from the ground up.
What Happened with Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer's "Not Like Us" Performance?
The 50th anniversary special of "Saturday Night Live" brought back a lot of familiar faces, but few moments were as talked about as Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer's musical number. They decided to take on Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us," a song that had been making a lot of noise. Their choice of song, you know, was a bit unexpected, given its original context, but they truly made it their own, turning it into something truly funny and memorable for everyone watching.
This particular performance was part of the big homecoming concert, which aired on Peacock. It was a chance for old cast members to come back and celebrate the show's long history. When Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer appeared, it was clear they had something special planned. They revived their beloved music teacher characters, Marty and Bobbi Culp, who are famous for their awkward yet endearing musical stylings. This return, in a way, was a treat for long-time fans of the show.
The Culp duo, with their signature matching outfits and slightly off-key harmonies, delivered a medley of pop hits. But the real showstopper was their version of "Not Like Us." They didn't just sing it; they put their own unique spin on the words, making it a comedic highlight of the evening. It was, you know, a very clever way to take a serious song and turn it into something lighthearted and fun, showing off their comedic genius in a new light.
The performance also included a bit of a humorous roast, which is, you know, something the Culps are pretty good at. They even managed to bring in references to other current songs, like Charli XCX's "Brat," showing that they were, in some respects, keeping up with the latest music. It was a truly inventive way to update their classic act, making it relevant to today's music scene while still staying true to their characters. This blend of old and new, apparently, really resonated with the audience.
The Return of The Culps and "Will Ferrell Not Like Us"
The Culp family, Marty and Bobbi, are characters that many "Saturday Night Live" fans remember fondly. They are the old married music teachers who always seem to be performing medleys of popular songs, often with their own slightly awkward, yet completely charming, flair. Their return for the SNL 50th anniversary special was, you know, a moment many people were looking forward to, and they certainly did not disappoint, especially with their take on "Will Ferrell Not Like Us."
When they performed Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us," it wasn't just a simple cover. It was a full-on comedic interpretation, fitting perfectly with their established style. They took the words and, in a way, made them their own, adding their unique vocal quirks and stage presence. This particular song choice was, perhaps, a bit of a surprise, given its original context, but that's part of what made the performance so memorable and funny for the audience.
The Culps also used their moment on stage to, you know, comment on some of the more recent music feuds, which is something they are known for doing. They even humorously urged Drake and Kendrick Lamar to "hug it out" after Lamar's very strong diss track. This added another layer of comedy to their act, showing that they were, in some respects, very much in tune with what was happening in the music world, making their "Will Ferrell Not Like Us" segment even more relevant.
They didn't just stick to Kendrick Lamar's song either. The performance included other popular tunes, like Britney Spears' "Work Bitch," which they also gave their signature Culp treatment. This medley approach is typical for them, allowing them to showcase a range of songs while keeping their comedic act fresh. It's almost like they have a special talent for taking any song and making it sound, you know, uniquely theirs, always with a touch of humor.
Why Was "Will Ferrell Not Like Us" Such a Big Deal?
The buzz around Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer's performance of "Not Like Us" really grew quickly after the SNL 50th anniversary special. There are a few reasons why this particular moment, you know, really captured people's attention and became such a talking point. It wasn't just another sketch; it was a blend of current culture and classic comedy that resonated with a lot of people, making "Will Ferrell Not Like Us" a very big deal indeed.
One reason is the sheer unexpectedness of the song choice. Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" was, at the time, a very popular and, in some respects, quite serious track, especially given its role in a well-known music rivalry. For the Culps, these slightly awkward music teachers, to take on such a song was, you know, a brilliant comedic move. The contrast between the song's original feel and their wholesome, yet offbeat, delivery created a truly funny situation.
Another factor was the return of the Culp characters themselves. Marty and Bobbi Culp have a long history with "Saturday Night Live" fans, and seeing them back on stage after so many years was, in a way, a nostalgic treat. People love seeing familiar faces, especially when those faces bring back such a specific and beloved brand of humor. Their unique style, you know, just works so well, and it's something people genuinely enjoy watching.
The performance also went beyond just singing. It included a humorous roast and some lighthearted commentary on the music world, which added another layer of entertainment. This made the "Will Ferrell Not Like Us" segment more than just a musical number; it was a full comedic act. The way they managed to weave in current events and pop culture references, too, showed how clever the writing was, making it feel very fresh and relevant for the audience.
How Did They Pull Off "Will Ferrell Not Like Us"?
When you look at how Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer managed to make "Not Like Us" so funny, it really comes down to their understanding of their characters, the Culps, and their unique comedic timing. It's not easy to take a popular song and turn it into something completely different, but they, you know, truly made it work. They have a special way of performing that allows them to get big laughs from seemingly small things, which is a pretty amazing skill.
The key was staying true to the Culp persona. Marty and Bobbi Culp are known for their slightly out-of-touch, yet earnest, approach to music. They sing with a certain stiffness, often mispronouncing words or adding their own odd inflections. When they performed "Not Like Us," they applied this same style, which, in some respects, immediately made the song sound different and funny. It's almost like they have a secret formula for making any song sound like a Culp original.
Their physical comedy and facial expressions also played a big part. Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer are masters of non-verbal humor, and their reactions to each other and to the song's words added layers of comedy. You could see the slight grimaces, the awkward smiles, and the way they moved, all contributing to the overall comedic effect. This attention to detail, you know, really makes their performances stand out and helps them pull off such tricky acts.
The choice to include other songs in a medley, like Britney Spears' "Work Bitch" and references to Charli XCX's "Brat," also helped. This allowed them to build up to the "Not Like Us" moment, creating a flow that kept the audience engaged. It's almost like they were telling a story through their song choices, with each tune adding to the overall comedic narrative. This thoughtful planning, apparently, is a big part of why their performances are so successful.
The Culp's Unique Spin on "Will Ferrell Not Like Us"
The Culp's approach to "Not Like Us" was, you know, truly one of a kind. They didn't just sing the words; they interpreted them through the lens of their quirky music teacher characters, Marty and Bobbi. This meant taking a song that is, in some respects, quite intense and giving it a completely different feel, making it both funny and a little bit charming at the same time. It's almost like they have a special filter through which all music must pass before they perform it.
Their signature style involves a blend of earnestness and awkwardness. They sing with a certain sincerity, but their vocal choices and physical movements often create humor. For "Will Ferrell Not Like Us," this meant delivering the lyrics with a slightly off-kilter rhythm and, perhaps, a few unexpected pauses. This subtle shift in delivery is, you know, a big part of what makes their performances so amusing and keeps people laughing.
They also have a way of making the words sound slightly out of place coming from them, which is, in a way, the core of their comedic genius. When they sang about the various elements of "Not Like Us," it was the contrast between the original song's vibe and their wholesome, yet slightly dorky, presentation that truly made it funny. This kind of unexpected pairing, apparently, is a hallmark of their act and something they do very well.
The addition of their plea for Drake and Kendrick Lamar to "hug it out" was, too, a brilliant touch. It showed that they were not just performing the song but also commenting on the cultural moment surrounding it. This kind of meta-humor, where they acknowledge the real-world context of the song, adds another layer of cleverness to their act. It's almost like they're saying, "We know what this song is about, and here's our Culp-style take on it," which, you know, really connects with the audience.
What's the Lasting Impact of "Will Ferrell Not Like Us"?
The performance of "Will Ferrell Not Like Us" at the SNL 50th anniversary special has, you know, left a pretty noticeable mark. It's one of those moments that people will likely talk about for a good while, not just because it was funny, but because it showed how comedy can take something current and make it even more memorable. It's almost like it created a new way for people to think about that particular song, which is, in a way, a pretty cool thing for a comedy sketch to do.
The video of their performance, apparently, quickly gained a lot of views and shares online, showing just how much it resonated with people. Hot 97, a well-known radio station, even highlighted Will Ferrell's rendition, which suggests it reached a very wide audience. This kind of reach means that the "Will Ferrell Not Like Us" moment went beyond just the people who watched the SNL special; it became a piece of internet culture, too, that many more people discovered and enjoyed.
It also reminded people of the lasting appeal of the Culp characters. Marty and Bobbi Culp have been around for a long time, and their ability to stay relevant and funny, even after many years, is a testament to the strong comedic foundation Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer built. Their return, in some respects, showed that good characters and good humor can stand the test of time, always finding new ways to make people laugh, which is, you know, a very good sign for any performer.
Ultimately, the "Will Ferrell Not Like Us" performance served as a reminder of the power of live comedy and the special magic that happens when talented people come together. It was a moment of pure entertainment that brought joy to many, and it solidified its place as one of the standout highlights of the SNL 50th anniversary celebration. It's almost like it gave everyone a little burst of happiness, which is, you know, something we could all use more of.
This article has covered the surprising and very funny performance of "Not Like Us" by Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer as their Culp characters during the SNL 50th anniversary special. We looked at Will Ferrell's background and career, from his early days to his time on "Saturday Night Live" and his success in movies. The discussion then moved to what made the "Will Ferrell Not Like Us" performance so special, including the return of the beloved Culp duo and the unexpected song choice. We also explored how they managed to deliver such a humorous rendition and the lasting impact this particular comedic moment has had.
