Helena Frye
Will Ferrell is an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer, known for his comedic roles in films and television. In 2008, Ferrell starred in the basketball-themed sports comedy film 'Semi-Pro', in which he portrayed Jackie Moon, the eccentric owner, head coach, and player of the fictional American Basketball Association team, the Flint Tropics. Ferrell's character in the film is known for his quirky and slightly delusional personality, adding a blend of sports excitement and comedic genius to the role. Aside from his acting career, Ferrell has also ventured into sports team ownership, becoming a part-owner of Los Angeles FC, a Major League Soccer team, in 2016.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Will Ferrell |
| Profession | Actor, Comedian, Writer, Producer |
| Known for | Leading roles in comedy films |
| Awards | Six Primetime Emmy Awards, a British Academy Television Award, two Golden Globe Award nominations, and a Tony Award nomination |
| Sports played | Kicker for school's varsity football team, soccer, basketball |
| Basketball-related movies | Semi-Pro, Talladega Nights, Blades of Glory |
| Basketball-related TV appearances | Warmed up with the Golden State Warriors in costume as his character from Semi-Pro |
| Basketball ownership | Part-owner of Los Angeles FC, a Major League Soccer team |
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What You'll Learn
Will Ferrell's basketball movie 'Semi-Pro'
In the 2008 comedy sports film "Semi-Pro", Will Ferrell stars as Jackie Moon, the owner, head coach, and player of the fictional American Basketball Association (ABA) team, the Flint Tropics (or Flint Michigan Tropics). In the film's premise, set in 1976, Jackie Moon is a singer who uses the profits from his one-hit wonder, "Love Me Sexy", to buy the basketball team. The team is failing and is the worst in the league, and the franchise is under threat of folding when the ABA and NBA announce plans to merge. It's up to Jackie and the Tropics to turn their game around and make their NBA dreams come true.
The film also stars Woody Harrelson as Ed Monix, an aging point guard and former NBA Champion; André Benjamin as Clarence Withers, who dreams of playing in the NBA; Maura Tierney as Lynn, Ed Monix's love interest; Andy Daly as the Tropics' play-by-play announcer, Dick Pepperfield; and Will Arnett as the team's color commentator, Lou Redwood.
The film was shot in Los Angeles, Detroit, and Flint, Michigan, and was released in theatres on February 19, 2008. It was the last film from New Line Cinema before they were absorbed by Warner Bros. Pictures, and as of 2025, it is the only film directed by Kent Alterman. Despite the generally negative reviews it received, with criticism aimed at the script, Ferrell's performance was praised. The film grossed $33,479,698 domestically and $10,405,206 internationally, for a worldwide total of $43,884,904.
In a unique pre-screening at the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, Texas, viewers had to wear a basketball uniform similar to the one worn by Ferrell in the film to gain entrance to the theatre. Ferrell also reprised his role as Jackie Moon in 2022, dressing up as the character while taking part in warm-ups with the NBA's Golden State Warriors before a game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
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Ferrell's character, Jackie Moon
In the 2008 sports comedy film *Semi-Pro*, Will Ferrell plays Jackie Moon, the owner, head coach, and starting power forward of the fictional American Basketball Association (ABA) team, the Flint Tropics. Jackie Moon is a singer who uses the profits from his one-hit wonder, "Love Me Sexy", to buy the basketball team, becoming its owner, player, and coach.
Ferrell's character is a basketball star and the owner of a failing team, famous for the aging disco hit "Love Me Sexy". In the film, Ferrell's character wrestles a 7-foot-tall, 700-pound male grizzly bear to promote his basketball team. Ferrell himself was a basketball team captain in high school and is now a part-owner of the Los Angeles FC Major League Soccer team.
The film is set during the final season of the ABA and tells the story of a fictional team desperate to survive the league's merger with the NBA. It received generally negative reviews from critics, who criticized the script, but Ferrell's performance was praised. The film grossed $43,884,904 worldwide.
In 2022, Ferrell dressed as his character, Jackie Moon, while warming up with the Golden State Warriors before their game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
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Ferrell's appearance at the Alamo Drafthouse
Will Ferrell is an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer, known for his comedic roles and television production work. In the 2008 film "Semi-Pro", Ferrell stars as Jackie Moon, a basketball team owner, head coach, and player.
Ferrell made an appearance at the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, Texas, for a pre-screening of "Semi-Pro" two weeks before its box office debut. Ferrell attended the event alongside the film's director, Kent Alterman. The unique entry requirement for the event was that all viewers had to wear a basketball uniform similar to the one worn by Ferrell in the film.
Alamo Drafthouse is a movie theatre chain known for its innovative offerings, including themed theatres, bars, and food services. The chain has hosted various Will Ferrell film events, including watch parties for the holiday favourite "Elf", which is expected to generate $350,000 in ticket sales in November and December 2022.
Ferrell has also been involved in basketball outside of his acting career. In 2016, he became a part-owner of Los Angeles FC, a Major League Soccer team, alongside other celebrity co-owners such as Mia Hamm and Magic Johnson. In 2022, the team won the MLS Cup, adding an MLS championship to Ferrell's credits.
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Ferrell's high school basketball team
Will Ferrell attended University High School in Irvine and was captain of the basketball team. He also played football and soccer for the school's varsity teams.
Ferrell's first foray into basketball ownership was in the 2008 sports comedy film, 'Semi-Pro', where he played Jackie Moon, the owner, head coach, and player of the fictional Flint Tropics team. In the film, Jackie Moon is a singer who uses the profits from his one-hit wonder, "Love Me Sexy", to buy the team in the American Basketball Association (ABA).
Ferrell later became a part-owner of a real-life basketball team, the Los Angeles FC, a Major League Soccer team that began playing in 2018. He is one of several celebrity co-owners, including Mia Hamm and Magic Johnson. In 2022, the team won the MLS Cup, giving Ferrell an MLS championship to his credit.
Ferrell has also shown his support for the Golden State Warriors by dressing up as his character, Jackie Moon, during their pre-game warm-ups. This appearance may have helped the team snap a five-game losing streak, and it certainly brought smiles to the players, especially Klay Thompson, a fan of the movie.
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![Semi-Pro (Let's Get Sweaty Edition) (2008) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61SKqkF8TcL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![Semi-Pro [Unrated Edition] - 1 Disc DVD](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1zv0oqD-EL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Ferrell as a part-owner of Los Angeles FC
Will Ferrell is an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer. He is also a part-owner of Los Angeles FC, a Major League Soccer team that began playing in 2018. Ferrell has been a visible ambassador for the club since its launch in 2018, and his presence has brought many perks to the LAFC players, including the opportunity to meet other big-name stars, such as fellow actor Matthew McConaughey. Ferrell's involvement with the club began when he struck up a friendship with majority owner Larry Berg, whose children attended the same school as Ferrell's.
Ferrell has been a soccer fan since his childhood, when he played for his school's team. His love for the sport continued into adulthood, and he jumped at the chance to be part of LAFC when Berg invited him to join the ownership group. Ferrell's passion for the game and his enthusiasm for the club are evident in his ambassadorial role. He has helped to promote LAFC and raise its profile, contributing to its success as a powerhouse in the MLS.
In addition to Ferrell, there are several other celebrity co-owners of LAFC, including Mia Hamm, a former professional soccer player, and Earvin "Magic" Johnson, a basketball legend and successful entrepreneur. The club also has a diverse group of investors from various industries, such as entertainment, sports, communications, investment, and real estate.
Ferrell's involvement with LAFC extends beyond his financial investment and ambassadorial role. He has also been a source of motivation and entertainment for the players. Ferrell brought Hollywood vibes to the club, creating a unique and exciting environment for the team. His comedic skills and celebrity status have added a new element to the players' experience, as they get to interact with a renowned actor and comedian who is also a passionate fan of the club.
Ferrell's ownership of LAFC showcases his dedication to the sport and his interest in supporting and promoting soccer in the United States. His involvement has contributed to the club's success and helped to grow its fan base, attracting people of all ages and backgrounds.
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Frequently asked questions
The Flint Tropics.
Jackie Moon.
Yes, Will Ferrell played basketball in school and was on the basketball team in University High School in Irvine, California.
![Semi-Pro [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81dvdLVi47L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
